Dr. Beth Forhman

Narrative Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that centers on the stories people construct and live out as they experience life, positing that these narratives play a key role in shaping an individual’s identity, relationships, and perceptions of the world. Developed during the 1980s by social workers Michael White and David Epston, this approach is founded on the principle that people have many stories that can be discovered and explored to identify how they view themselves and how they can use these narratives to confront challenges or issues. In narrative therapy, the problem is viewed as separate from the person, which helps clients to externalize issues, reducing the tendency to self-identify with their problems. This technique allows individuals to investigate the influences of culture, society, and history on their story, promoting a sense of empowerment and agency.

Narrative Therapy engages clients in a collaborative process, where therapists help them to recount and examine their life stories through a non-judgmental and curious lens. This approach encourages the exploration of alternative narratives that may have been overshadowed by more dominant, problem-saturated stories. By doing so, clients can uncover new meanings and perspectives, reauthoring their narratives in ways that align more closely with their desired identity and life goals. The therapeutic conversation aims to highlight and strengthen the skills, values, and beliefs that clients possess, which can assist them in rewriting their life stories towards outcomes that foster greater resilience and fulfillment. This method is notably inclusive and respectful of clients’ varied cultural backgrounds and values, making it versatile and effective for a diverse range of individuals and issues.