Best Narrative Therapy Books

There are multiple schools of thought and styles of work in the field of psychology. These multiple schools of thought have given rise to various therapy approaches. One of the most popular approaches is narrative therapy. It is a collaborative and empowering approach to counselling. Narrative therapy believes that people experience their lives in the form of stories and that they are capable of rewriting or changing their life stories at any given time. In this article, we’ll be looking at a few books that can help readers understand the basics and even the complexities of narrative therapy

• Narrative Means To Therapeutic Ends

This book is written by the founders of narrative therapy, David Upston and Michael White, and is regarded as a classic of narrative literature. In this book, the authors dive deep into the practical applications of the narrative approach. They also share their experiences and insights, offering a collection of therapeutic conversations and techniques. The book explores the use of narrative practices to help people re-author their stories and overcome challenges.

• Maps of Narrative Practice

Maps of Narrative Practice is the second book by Michael White, the co-founder of narrative therapy. It offers practical insights into Michael White’s key areas of narrative therapy. The book also talks about all five key areas of narrative therapy, namely re-authoring conversations, remembering conversations, scaffolding conversations, definitional ceremony, externalizing conversations, and rite of passage maps. The book is filled with transcripts, commentary, and diagrammatic charts for the simplification of concepts for both beginners and those well-versed in narrative practices

• Reauthoring Lives: Interviews and Essays

This book is primarily a collection of interviews and essays, specifically aimed at providing helpful insights to therapists and others in the helping profession. If you want to be hopeful and work for people with chronic problems, enjoy literature, or work with trauma, this book is for you. Additionally, if you believe in helping people through collaborative work, this book might be helpful for you.

• Retelling the Stories of Our Lives

Our lives are not set in stone; instead, they are shaped by the stories How we tell these stories matters. This book uses concepts from narrative therapy and aims to help people change. It also encourages them to find the good in neglected life events, while also encouraging them to find value in small actions. and solve problems creatively. The book also shares examples of others who have benefited from using narrative techniques in their lives while discussing challenging life events such as trauma, abuse, failure, grief, and ageing.

• What is Narrative Therapy? By Alice Morgan

This is one of the best books for someone who wants to start their journey through narrative therapy. This book offers a straightforward introduction to the concepts and methods of narrative therapy. It is written in easy-to-understand language, follows a concise structure, and provides numerous practical examples. Divided into two parts, this book covers. various narrative practices, such as externalization, remembering, therapeutic letter writing, the utilization of rituals, leagues, reflecting teams, and more. The book has been aimed at anyone who is looking to apply narrative ideas in their therapy work.

Conclusion:

Narrative therapy is one of the most empowering psychotherapy approaches, making it effective across children and adults. Applying narrative ideas to practice requires a strong foundation in its principles and practices. The above-mentioned books are aimed at providing basic as well as practical knowledge to their readers; however, it is necessary to conduct your own research before choosing the right book to start your narrative therapy journey.

References

1. Maps of Narrative Practice (Norton Professional Books (…. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/891389.Maps_of_Narrative_Practice_Norton_Professional_Books
2. Morgan, A. (2000). What is Narrative Therapy?: An Easy to (. Dulwich Centre Publications.
3. Recommended Reading. (n.d.). All Things Narrative. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.allthingsnarrative.com/about/recommended-reading
4. Retelling the Stories of Our Lives: Everyday Narrative …. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17573707-retelling-the-stories-of-our-lives
5. White, M. (1998). Re-Authoring Lives: Interviews & Essays. Dulwich Centre Publications.
6. White, M. (2007). Maps of Narrative Practice (Illustrated edition). W. W. Norton & Company.
7. White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends (1st edition). W. W. Norton & Company.