How can you use narrative therapy with diverse clients?

1 What is narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is based on the idea that people are not defined by their problems, but rather by how they respond to them. Narrative therapy helps clients separate themselves from their problems and view them as externalized entities that can be named, examined, and changed. By doing so, clients can create new meanings and possibilities for their lives, and reclaim their agency and identity. Narrative therapy also acknowledges that people's stories are influenced by the social and cultural discourses that surround them, and that some of these discourses may be oppressive or limiting. Narrative therapy helps clients identify and resist these discourses, and create alternative stories that honor their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

2 How to use narrative therapy with diverse clients?

One of the main advantages of narrative therapy is that it is respectful and collaborative, and does not impose a single or universal truth on clients. Narrative therapy allows clients to be the experts of their own lives, and to express their stories in their own words and languages. Narrative therapy also recognizes that clients' stories are not isolated, but connected to the stories of their families, communities, and cultures. Narrative therapy helps clients explore these connections, and how they can draw on the strengths and resources of their social networks. Narrative therapy also helps clients challenge the dominant or mainstream narratives that may undermine or invalidate their stories, and to create counter-narratives that affirm their diversity and uniqueness.

3 What are some narrative therapy techniques?

Narrative therapy employs a variety of techniques to aid clients in externalizing their issues, rewriting their stories, and reinforcing their preferred identities. Through the use of open-ended, curious, and respectful questions, narrative therapists can elicit clients' stories and help them explore different aspects and perspectives of their problems and solutions. In addition, narrative therapists can utilize forms of documentation such as letters, notes, journals, maps, drawings, photos, or videos to document clients' stories and emphasize their accomplishments, learnings, and insights. Furthermore, outsider witnesses are utilized to broaden and enhance clients' stories while creating a sense of community. These witnesses are people who are not directly involved in the therapy but are invited to listen to and respond to clients' stories. Outsider witnesses can be other clients, family members, friends, or professionals who share similar experiences or interests with the client. Through reflection on what they heard and expressing what resonated with them as well as sharing their own stories that relate to the client's story, outsider witnesses can help clients receive feedback and validation.