Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy was created through the work of Mike White and David Epston. Key components of this approach include a respectful and collaborative approach, a focus on life stories and contexts, and perspectives of a multi-storied experience ("About narrative therapy,"). Narrative therapy is also focused on innate strengths of the individual and the culture they experience. This type of therapy externalizes and names the problem and requires intensive listening and understanding by the therapist. Next, it focuses the effect of the problem on the individual's life with a focus on hope and a new life story (Wormer & Davis, 2008).

The addiction cycle involves depression, using to relieve symptoms, the negative feelings disappearing, unintended negative consequences, shame/guilt/anger, which leads again to depression and begins the cycle again. The narrative approach could help the patient reflect on what negative consequences occured last time they went through the cycle. Retelling the story may open their eyes to what would happen if they choose to use again. Also, a narrative story of their past could help they reflect on what their life was like without depression and shame/guilt/anger. On the opposite hand, narratives could bring about stories that cause the individual to experience depression or guilt. This could have the opposite effect and contribute to the continuation of the cycle.

This approach may be helpful to me in OT because most clients love to talk to you about anything and everything. Really listening to and reflecting on their narratives will help me to fully understand their situation. Also, building on their strengths and culture will help them to build confidence,which is essential for self-fulfillment. The narrative approach also provides great opportunities for group activities that an occupational therapist would lead. This appraoch is imporant because it does not focus on disability, which aids in a client-centered approach.

References:

About narrative therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.narrativetherapycentre.com/index_files/Page378.htm

Wormer, K. V., & Davis, D. R. (2008). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective. (2nd ed., pp. 107-110). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.