Narrative Therapy Overview and Application_Gracie

What happens during the exploration stage of a Narrative Therapy session?

• The counselor helps the client externalize the problem, map its effects, and explore unique outcomes or exceptions to the problem.

• The counselor focuses on the client's past experiences and how they shape their current behavior.

• The counselor provides direct advice on how to solve the client's issues immediately.

• The counselor encourages the client to ignore the problem and focus on positive affirmations.

What are example client responses during the exploration stage?

• Clients might describe the impact of the problem on their life and recall instances where they successfully managed or overcame the issue.

• Clients often express indifference towards their problems and show no desire to change.

• Clients usually deny having any issues and refuse to engage in discussions about their feelings.

• Clients frequently ask for advice on how to solve their problems without sharing their own experiences.

Competency

Listening

• No judgement

• Unconditional Positive Regard

• Curiosity

• Time Management

Press to play the song

• ISOLATION

• Metaphore

• I am a rock

• I am a island

Task: LISTEN FOR THE DOMINANT DISCOURSE: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
What questions can a counselor ask during the opening session of Narrative Therapy?

• Can you tell me about your story?

• What is your favorite color?

• How do you feel about the weather?

• What brings you here today?

Mapping the exceptions of when the problem was lessened or not there

• regular exercise

• mood journal

• gratefulness journal

• daily meditation

What is Narrative Therapy?

• A therapeutic approach that focuses on the stories of people's lives and shapes their identity and meaning making.

• A method of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes changing negative thought patterns.

• A form of group therapy that relies on shared experiences and collective storytelling.

• A technique used in art therapy to express emotions through visual narratives.

DOUBLE LISTENING

• Narrative therapy allows a person to incorporate 'more' holistic richer discourses, enabling them to re-identify and work out what their preferred narrative might be.

• Narrative therapy focuses solely on cognitive restructuring without considering emotional aspects.

• Narrative therapy is primarily concerned with behavioral modification techniques.

• Narrative therapy emphasizes the importance of medication in treatment.

Look out for hints on Ali's identity / narrative

• Ali's identity is influenced by social constructs such as race, class, and gender.

• Ali's identity is solely determined by his personal choices.

• Ali's identity has no relation to social disadvantages.

• Ali's identity is only shaped by his family background.

How does power, gender, race, culture, discrimination, inequality and other forms of oppression affect the client?

• A NARRATIVE counsellor listens for the dominant societal discourse (of inadequacy) that is not serving the client, listen for the problem story.

• The client should ignore societal influences and focus solely on personal experiences.

• Power dynamics have no impact on the client's narrative or therapy process.

• Cultural background is irrelevant in understanding the client's issues.