Some Own Opinions on Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is, for me, a whole new concept in treating people with psychological problems. It completely does away with the aura of secrecy, which has largely surrounded the psychology profession. I remember, in my studies, reading about the fact that one of the contributing factors to healing was the aura which was part of the idea of sitting on a couch, spilling your deepest and innermost thoughts to someone who listened without sharing his. The mystical aspect that "someone could read your mind"....?

Well... this is certainly not what narrative therapy has in mind (or at least, the way I understand it). I suppose every theory or school of thought fits with the culture in which it finds itself, and narrative therapy might never have worked 100 years ago. However, in this present day world, in which knowledge is easily available, and people have so much more say and control over their lives, it makes sense to also make them a part of their own healing process.

What impresses me about the narrative process is the fact that clients are continually being asked whether they are happy with the way the process is going, and if they are not, then the therapist will acknowledge this by moving in a direction more suited to the client. This does not, by any manner of speaking mean that therapy is now easy, and no work is done! On the contrary, the therapist continues to facilitate the whole process, but the difference is that the client is now treated with a greater respect for his feelings and contributions.

Clients have full access to information - including notes written by the psychologist at all times. In fact, narrative therapists are known to check with the client by saying something like "I understand what you have just said like this... do I have it right?" Or, "if I write that down like this, would that be acceptable to you?"

At no time is the client bullied into listening to the therapist's interpretation, and at all times he is given the chance to correct incorrect assumptions made by the therapist. If the client is ever discussed - even with other professionals, permission is always requested first. In other words, the way I understand it is, is that this is a therapy in which the client is treated with the utmost respect, and what could be more empowering? Think of yourself when you find others have been talking behind your back, and you were powerless to offer your version of the situation. One feels helpless and out of control. On the flip side, think of how upbuilding it must be for someone to let you know they have been talking about you (with your consent) and that they even report back with the issues which were discussed.

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