Alternative Perspectives On Narrative Family Therapy
Narrative Family Therapy
Narrative family therapy is a theoretical model that has grown out of the postmodern movement. Based on the idea that reality not simply concrete and observable, but subject to a person’s perception of the experience and the story he tells himself about who he is in the world. Rather than focusing on behaviors, narrative therapy focuses on how the clients interpret their experiences, then helps them to create a more positive story. This goes beyond reframing, a technique therapists will use to point out alternative perspectives. Narrative therapy helps a person “re-story” their lives, to create a different, more fitting, more positive story. When this happens, reframing is no longer necessary (Nichols, 2013).
Narrative …show more content…
What the client chooses to share is a window into how he or she sees the world. Even when a client seems contrary, it is an opportunity to better understand the plot of his life story (Waters, 2011). Often, the view a client has of the problem solidifies it, and alternative perspectives or solutions are impossible to see. This perception of the client being or having a problem is often reinforced by the simultaneous social narratives. In an effort to bring a broader view into the story, the narrative therapist will help the client externalize the problem, making it reside outside who the person is. Change comes about as the therapist then guides the client into deconstructing unproductive stories and reconstructing newer, healthier ones.
Vignette
Marcus is a twelve-year-old boy in sixth grade. He lives with his mother, and his two brothers. One brother is in eighth grade, the other is in third. They receive public assistance and mother does not work. Mother has brought Marcus for help because he is failing in school and defiant at home. When Mother and Marcus meet with the teacher, she communicates that Marcus is capable, but is distracted, disorganized, and doesn’t complete work. While Mother has tried, she is unable to get Marcus to sit down at home and complete school work.
Case …show more content…
They focused on the particulars about he was able to conquer ADHD in this case, and over time, helped Marcus start to apply the same strategies for learning non-preferred material. Additionally, the therapist suggested that Marcus to join a homework club. In this way, he could surround himself with others who could support him and remind him that he is a smart and capable student. Lastly, the therapist, Mom, both brothers, and Marcus himself wrote letters to Marcus, affirming his new story and telling about times that he was able to overcome his
Narrative family therapy is a theoretical model that has grown out of the postmodern movement. Based on the idea that reality not simply concrete and observable, but subject to a person’s perception of the experience and the story he tells himself about who he is in the world. Rather than focusing on behaviors, narrative therapy focuses on how the clients interpret their experiences, then helps them to create a more positive story. This goes beyond reframing, a technique therapists will use to point out alternative perspectives. Narrative therapy helps a person “re-story” their lives, to create a different, more fitting, more positive story. When this happens, reframing is no longer necessary (Nichols, 2013).
Narrative …show more content…
What the client chooses to share is a window into how he or she sees the world. Even when a client seems contrary, it is an opportunity to better understand the plot of his life story (Waters, 2011). Often, the view a client has of the problem solidifies it, and alternative perspectives or solutions are impossible to see. This perception of the client being or having a problem is often reinforced by the simultaneous social narratives. In an effort to bring a broader view into the story, the narrative therapist will help the client externalize the problem, making it reside outside who the person is. Change comes about as the therapist then guides the client into deconstructing unproductive stories and reconstructing newer, healthier ones.
Vignette
Marcus is a twelve-year-old boy in sixth grade. He lives with his mother, and his two brothers. One brother is in eighth grade, the other is in third. They receive public assistance and mother does not work. Mother has brought Marcus for help because he is failing in school and defiant at home. When Mother and Marcus meet with the teacher, she communicates that Marcus is capable, but is distracted, disorganized, and doesn’t complete work. While Mother has tried, she is unable to get Marcus to sit down at home and complete school work.
Case …show more content…
They focused on the particulars about he was able to conquer ADHD in this case, and over time, helped Marcus start to apply the same strategies for learning non-preferred material. Additionally, the therapist suggested that Marcus to join a homework club. In this way, he could surround himself with others who could support him and remind him that he is a smart and capable student. Lastly, the therapist, Mom, both brothers, and Marcus himself wrote letters to Marcus, affirming his new story and telling about times that he was able to overcome his