This chapter introduces Narrative Therapy (NT) as a theory that aligns with the social constructivism paradigm of counseling and psychotherapy. It provides some historical context for the development of the theory and biographical sketches of Michael White and David Epston. A primary influence to NT was the work of Gregory Bateson and his illustration of the unique way in which humans make sense of the world. NT focuses on the stories individuals tell about the events in their lives. A story or narrative is a mental account or chronicle of a person’s experiences or life events. In NT, therapeutic conversation is seen as an artful science where client stories are laid out, examined, challenged, and expanded on interactively and collaboratively. Narrative therapists take a decentralized but influential position in therapy. The narrative therapist takes great care to create an environment of collaboration, respect, and acceptance.
