Narrative Theory

Personal Experience

Fundamentally ambiguous and requires rearrangement for meaning and coherence.

Existentialism

Not a coherent philosophical system; emphasizes individual uniqueness in relation to life experiences.

Stereotypes

Identifying too closely with groups can lead to acceptance of stereotypes and limit potential.

Choice

Implies that all actions involve choice; there are no rational grounds for choice as criteria are chosen.

External Standards

Client's self-views may be contaminated by arbitrary external standards.

Purpose

Existential social workers help clients discover new purposes suitable to their unique nature.

Postmodernism

Challenges the idea of rational solutions to societal problems; generalizations reinforce power rather than truth.

Knowledge

Beliefs are rooted in social contexts and reflect values of specific people at a certain time.

Social Construction

No objective reality; individuals and groups create their social worlds.

Cultural Values

Influence personal narratives and contribute to problem behaviors.

Deconstruction

Explores cultural assumptions contributing to problems and opens possibilities for change.

Reconstruction

Process of developing narratives consistent with personal goals.

Sparkling Moments

Awareness of new personal truths that highlight strengths.

Nature of Problems

Concrete problems require concrete actions, but narratives influence how challenges are perceived.

Narrative Therapy Goals

Aim to awaken clients from problematic patterns and help them author their stories.

Appropriate Clients

Includes survivors of trauma, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those undergoing life transitions.

Assessment

Involves externalizing conversations and mapping effects of problems and strengths.

Normalizing

Helps clients externalize problems and conceptualize them as part of life.

Reflecting

Assists clients in challenging assumptions and identifying underlying values.

Enhancing Changes

Recognizes resources in the client’s environment to promote new thinking.

Ending

No definitive ending; leave the door open for future consultations.

Social Justice

Considers vulnerabilities to cultural narratives and encourages addressing social conditions.

Effectiveness

Applicable to various disorders and issues, including PTSD and depression.

Criticisms

Lack of structure may not help clients with concrete issues; risks of imposing practitioner values.