Narrative Therapy: Questions, Techniques and Best Books

Imagine being asked to tell your life story, but this time you are the hero, not the victim. How would the story change? That's the core idea behind narrative therapy—it helps you recognise the stories you carry, understand how they shape your self-image, and separate problems from your identity. In this article, we'll explore the core concepts of narrative therapy, 10 simple yet effective questions used in narrative therapy that can help you rewrite and reclaim your narrative, and some of the best books to deepen your understanding of this empowering approach. Read on to know more.

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy is based on the belief that "The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem." Narrative therapy is a form of talk therapy that views people as separate from their problems and sees them as the experts in their own lives. It also assumes that people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments, and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives.

Narrative therapy aims at helping individuals to look at problems as something that is separate and not a part of their individual identity. Externalizing problems from their identity empowers the person to rely on their own skills to minimise problems and the impact of problems on their life.

What Questions to Ask in Narrative Therapy?

A narrative therapist collaborates with people to help them put together their narrative. The therapist maintains an attitude of genuine curiosity and asks questions to get a better understanding of the person's story. Thus, questions are an integral part of the narrative therapy process.

A narrative therapist might use various types of questions as a part of the therapy process. They are simplified and explained below:

Deconstruction Questions

Deconstruction helps people break their problems down into smaller pieces. When a problem is broken down, it is easier to see its origin and the steps that can be taken to deal with it.

• What triggered the problem?
• For how long have you been facing this issue?
• How do you see this issue impacting your life?
• What are your thoughts on the effects of this problem on your life?
• How do you feel about the current problem/situation?

Externalizing Questions

These questions help the person view the problem as a separate entity that exists on its own or outside of them. Viewing the problem as something external can make it feel less overwhelming.

• If we were to give this problem a name, what would you choose to name it?
• How did this problem come into your life?
• What does the problem require you to do?
• What conclusion have you drawn about your life because of this problem?
• How do you see this problem directing your life?

Reauthoring Questions

These questions encourage the person to look at the problem and their life from a different perspective.

• If this problem were to be solved, how would you see your life?
• How would it be different?
• Was there a time when this problem wasn't in your life?
• What was different during that time?
• Was there a time when you managed to deal with the problem successfully?
• What helped you to deal with the problem successfully?

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. Below are 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 Epston 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 a non-pathologising and empowering approach to therapy, making it effective across children and adults. The questions asked in narrative therapy not only help the therapist understand an individual's narrative but also encourage the person seeking therapy to look at their problems as an external observer, which helps them to build positive and helpful narratives. 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

• Ackerman, C. E. (2017, June 18). 19 Best Narrative Therapy Techniques & Worksheets [+PDF]. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/narrative-therapy/
• Commonly-asked questions about narrative approaches to therapy, community work, and psychosocial support. (n.d.). The Dulwich Centre. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://dulwichcentre.com.au/articles-about-narrative-therapy/common-questions-narrative-therapy/
• Deconstruction in Narrative Therapy. (2023, May 18). Exploring Your Mind. https://exploringyourmind.com/deconstruction-in-narrative-therapy/
• Duba, J., & Bitter, J. (n.d.). Duba and Bitter – Externalization and Reauthoring.
• Maps of Narrative Practice (Norton Professional Books). (n.d.). Goodreads. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/891389.Maps_of_Narrative_Practice_Norton_Professional_Books
• Morgan, A. (2000). What is narrative therapy?: An easy-to-read introduction. Dulwich Centre Publications.
• Narrative Therapy Questions (Complete Overview). (2020, March 13). OptimistMinds. https://optimistminds.com/narrative-therapy-questions/
• Psych Central. (n.d.). What is narrative therapy? Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/health/narrative-therapy
• Recommended Reading. (n.d.). All Things Narrative. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.allthingsnarrative.com/about/recommended-reading
• Retelling the Stories of Our Lives: Everyday Narrative Therapy. (n.d.). Goodreads. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17573707-retelling-the-stories-of-our-lives
• Sax, P. (n.d.). Externalising conversations handout. Re-Authoring Teaching. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://reauthoringteaching.com/pages-not-in-use/externalising-conversations-handout/
• The Dulwich Centre. (n.d.). What is narrative therapy? Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy/
• White, M. (1998). Re-authoring lives: Interviews & essays. Dulwich Centre Publications.
• White, M. (2007). Maps of narrative practice (Illustrated ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends (1st ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.