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Chapter 13: Narrative Therapy With Families

Additional resources for this chapter

instructor material

DOI:

10.1891/9780826145383.0013

Authors

  • Caballero, Heather
  • Santos III, Jose M.

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce narrative therapy, a postmodern approach that is rooted in social construction theory. Narrative therapists assume a nondirective role and consider the client and family to be the expert of their lived experience. This chapter shows how family members’ internal experiences are considered to be constructed through “stories” of experiences, interactions, and relationships. Issues in the family occur when members become stuck in dominant stories that bring forth problematic beliefs, practices, feelings, and attitudes. Narrative therapy practices such as externalization through deconstruction, unique outcomes, counter stories, and reauthoring are discussed.