What is Narrative Therapy?
Seeks to distinguish the individual from their problems, encouraging them to externalize their issues rather than internalize them.
Developed in the 1980s by Michael White and David Epston, who believed that separating a person from their harmful behaviors is crucial for effective treatment.

For instance, when working with someone who has encountered legal issues, the focus would be on themselves as a person who has made mistakes, rather than labeling themselves as a “bad” person.

Three core principles of this therapy:
1. Respectful Approach:
Honours the dignity and agency of each client, treating them as unique individuals rather than flawed or deficient beings.
2. Non-Blaming Perspective:
Clients are not held responsible for their problems, fostering an understanding that issues arise from factors, making blame unnecessary.
3. Client as Expert:
Client is recognised as the expert of their own life, with the therapist and client collaborating based on this mutual understanding.

These principles emphasise the importance of separating individuals from their problems to foster a healthier self-identity.

Key Concepts and Approach
Crucial to differentiate between “an individual with problems” and a “problematic individual.”
Harmful self-identities can significantly impact one's quality of life.
For example, “the problem is the problem, the person is not the problem.”

Key themes that underpin narrative therapy, including:
- Reality is socially constructed and influenced by our interactions and dialogue.
- Language shapes our understanding of reality, highlighting different interpretations of shared experiences.
- Narratives provide structure, helping us make sense of our experiences.
- There is no absolute truth; what is true may vary for people or at different times.

These concepts emphasise the subjective nature of reality and the of individual storytelling. By reframing problems as separate from, narrative therapy empowers individuals to create narratives that support personal growth and change.

Commonly Used Narrative Therapy Techniques
1. Telling One’s Story:
Clients are encouraged to articulate their experiences in their own words, helping find meaning and re-establish their identities.
2. External Technique:
Helps clients view their problems as external issues rather than intrinsic flaws, fostering a greater sense of control.
3. Deconstruction Technique:
By breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, clients can gain clarity on their issues and identify root causes.
4. Unique Outcomes Technique:
Clients explore alternative storylines that provide them with positive identities and meanings, allowing them to reframe their experiences.
5. Existentialism:
Encourages clients to create their own meaning in a world without inherent significance, aligning closely with the goals of narrative therapy.

Together, these techniques help clients navigate their challenges and foster personal growth through the power of storytelling.