Week 13 - Narrative Couples Therapy

In Narrative Therapy, what is the core assumption about problems?

Problems exist in stories and meanings, not within people.

In couples therapy, what is the primary goal of Narrative Therapy?

Help couples re-author more helpful and preferred relationship narratives.

What does social constructionism mean in Narrative Therapy?

Reality is shaped through language, meaning, and social context.

In Narrative Therapy, who is considered the expert on the client’s life?

The clients themselves.

What is the therapist’s role in Narrative Therapy?

A collaborative, curious co-author who guides meaning-making.

What does 'the problem is the problem' mean in Narrative couples therapy?

The issue is external to both partners, not located within either person.

What is externalizing in Narrative Therapy?

Separating the person from the problem by naming it as outside them.

Why is externalizing especially useful in couples therapy?

It reduces blame and shifts partners to working against the problem together.

What is a problem-saturated story in Narrative Therapy?

A dominant negative narrative that defines the relationship.

How do problem-saturated stories maintain distress in couples?

They filter perception and ignore exceptions or positive moments.

What is a unique outcome in Narrative Therapy?

A moment when the problem had less influence or did not occur.

How should a therapist respond when a couple reports a positive exception?

Slow down and explore it to build an alternative narrative.

What is re-authoring in Narrative couples therapy?

Helping partners create new, more helpful meanings about their relationship.

What does 'thickening the preferred story' mean?

Expanding small positive moments into meaningful, identity-based narratives.

How does a therapist externalize a problem in session?

By naming the pattern (e.g., 'the criticism cycle') instead of blaming partners.

After externalizing a problem, what should the therapist explore next?

When the problem shows up and when it does not.

What does mapping the influence of the problem involve?

Exploring how the problem affects the relationship.

What does mapping the couple’s influence on the problem involve?

Identifying how the couple resists or weakens the problem.

What is deconstruction in Narrative Therapy?

Exploring and questioning beliefs that shape the couple’s story.

What types of influences are examined during deconstruction?

Cultural, family, and societal expectations.

Why is language especially important in Narrative Therapy?

Language shapes how clients understand and experience their relationship.

What type of questions do narrative therapists use?

Curious, open-ended, and non-assumptive questions.

What should therapists avoid in Narrative Therapy?

Labeling, pathologizing, and imposing interpretations.

How does Narrative Therapy shift conflict between partners?

From partner vs partner to couple vs the problem.

What is a common relational pattern Narrative Therapy addresses?

Blame cycles driven by negative interpretations.

In Narrative Therapy, what should therapists focus on instead of determining who is right?

How the problem operates within the relationship.

How does Narrative Therapy differ from EFT?

Narrative focuses on meaning; EFT focuses on emotion and attachment.

How does Narrative Therapy differ from IBCT?

Narrative re-authors stories; IBCT emphasizes acceptance.

How does Narrative Therapy differ from Gottman?

Narrative focuses on meaning; Gottman focuses on skills and structure.

What is a major strength of Narrative Therapy in couples work?

It reduces blame and increases client agency.

What is a limitation of Narrative Therapy?

It can feel abstract if not grounded in concrete interventions.

What is the first clinical step in a Narrative couples session?

Externalize and identify the problem pattern.

What should therapists do instead of immediately teaching communication skills?

Explore the meaning and story behind the problem.

What is the ultimate goal of Narrative couples therapy?

Create a shared, flexible, and more positive relationship narrative.

What is the wonderfulness interview in Narrative couples therapy?

An intervention where one partner describes what they value about the other.

What is the clinical goal of the wonderfulness interview?

To build a positive relational narrative and highlight strengths.

What is the role of the listening partner during a wonderfulness interview?

Listen and receive without interrupting or dismissing.

What is the therapist’s role during a wonderfulness interview?

Guide, deepen, and expand the positive narrative.

In Narrative Therapy, what is a preferred story?

A more helpful and strength-based narrative about the relationship.

How does a therapist help build a preferred story in couples?

By linking positive moments to identity, values, and meaning.

What type of questions support re-authoring in Narrative Therapy?

Questions about values, intentions, and moments of connection.

What is a clinical mistake when a couple reports a positive moment?

Failing to explore and expand it into a meaningful narrative.

Why is it not enough to only externalize the problem in Narrative Therapy?

Change requires actively building alternative narratives.

What happens if therapy focuses only on deconstruction without re-authoring?

It remains abstract and does not lead to lasting change.

What is an example of externalizing language in session?

The conflict cycle takes over when you are stressed.

What should a therapist explore after identifying when the problem shows up?

When the problem is weaker or absent.

What is a deconstructive question in Narrative Therapy?

A question that challenges assumptions shaping the couple’s story.

Give an example of a deconstructive question.

Where did you learn that partners should always agree?

What is a therapeutic letter in Narrative Therapy?

A written summary reinforcing the preferred story.

What is the purpose of therapeutic letters?

To strengthen and maintain change outside of sessions.

When is the wonderfulness interview especially useful?

When couples are stuck in negative, blame-based narratives.

What should therapists do when couples dismiss positive experiences?

Help them slow down and expand those moments.

In Narrative Therapy, what is a common mistake when working with problem-saturated stories?

Failing to actively build and reinforce alternative narratives.