Narrative Therapy

by Stephen Madigan

Narrative Therapy provides an introduction to the theory, history, research, and practice of this post-structural approach. First developed by David Epston and Michael White, this therapeutic theory is founded on the idea that people have many interacting narratives that go into making up their sense of who they are, and that the issues they bring to therapy are not restricted to (or located) within the clients themselves, but rather are influenced and shaped by cultural discourses about identity and power. Narrative therapy centers around a rich engagement in re-storying a client's narrative by re-considering, re-appreciating, and re-authoring the client's preferred lives and relationships.

In this book, Stephen Madigan presents and explores this versatile and useful approach, its theory, history, therapy process, primary change mechanisms, the empirical basis for its effectiveness, and recent developments that have refined the theory and expanded how it may be practiced.

This essential primer, amply illustrated with case examples featuring diverse clients, is perfect for graduate students studying theories of therapy and counseling, as well as for seasoned practitioners interested in understanding how a narrative therapy approach has evolved and how it might be used in their practice.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Social Work, School, Narrative, Mental Health

202 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great points, very interesting theory. I appreciated that even though it was a textbook, it was written from a very personal standpoint, reflecting on the author’s own experiences.

I can see hesitation in Christians to blanketly use this theory with any client, but I also see how, from a Christian perspective, it emphasizes Biblical principles.

[John Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer

Concise and excellent starter on this postmodern, anti-individualist way of doing therapy. Though I personally have yet to encounter a therapeutic situation in which these sample dialogues happen exactly, the orientation and the tools offered continue to inspire and make me aspire.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading on Narrative Practice, in addition to a wealth of references and resources.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introductory text to the ideas of Epson & White that explains with (relative) simplicity the therapy's post-modern foundation.

[Degan Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of Narrative Therapy, from original theories to th process. It feels like there are too many unnecessary references to the author and his school but there is a good glossary.

[Phil Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive primer on narrative therapy, its implications, uses, and history. Perfect for any therapist seeking to incorporate NT into their clinical toolbox.

[Katie Dedic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the book, but haven’t checked out the videos. I need to check them out to further conceptualize. Gave me a really good understanding of the origins, theory, and applications.

[Ben Shore · Rating 3 out of 5]

very textbook, took me forever, but good followup on what has transpired in the Narrative world, a clear road map for how sessions progress and where the field has gone.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely useful book. It's been a great resource for me. I especially appreciate the examples of letter-writing campaigns and have used them as inspiration for my own letter-writing with people who consult with me.

[Stephanie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5; helpful, though dense. The section of types of questions was interesting, but would have been more helpful within a context.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the story a person will tell their pastor or therapist is not their story, but the story people have told them was their story all their life - From the publisher: Stephen Madigan introduces the theory and practice of the post-structural approach first developed by David Epston and Michael White. This therapeutic theory is founded on the idea that people have many interacting narratives that go into making up their sense of who they are, and that the issues they bring to therapy are not restricted to (or sited within) the clients themselves, but rather are influenced and shaped by cultural discourses about identity and power.