Narrative Theory 1
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Narrative Counseling Theory Nick Salvesen College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
CNL 500: Theories and Models of Counseling
Dr. Julius Austin 9.27.23
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Narrative Counseling Theory Narrative counseling theory is a valuable approach that can offer significant assistance to Ana, a 24-year-old female facing a variety of challenges, including job loss, anxiety, and the stress of being a solo parent while her husband is deployed overseas. Ana's story is complex, shaped by her immigrant background, family dynamics, and the multiple stressors she is currently experiencing. Narrative therapy provides a framework for Ana to reframe her experiences, regain a sense of agency, and construct a more hopeful narrative about her life (Dekruyf, 2008). This paper will explore how narrative theory can be applied to help Ana address
her current problems and achieve her therapeutic goals. It will outline the goals of counseling, intervention strategies, the treatment process, cultural considerations, the constructivist philosophy, and how a collaborative approach can empower Ana. Additionally, it will discuss strategies to prevent harm or confusion during the therapeutic process. Narrative therapy offers a client-centered and culturally sensitive approach that aligns with Ana's unique needs and circumstances, providing a path toward healing and empowerment.
Goals of Counseling Narrative counseling theory aims to help clients like Ana understand and reframe their life experiences, empowering them to navigate their challenges. From a narrative perspective, knowledge is “something we make—rather than something that is given, separate and apart from
us” (Drewery & Winslade, 1997, p. 48). Narrative theory “asserts that there are many truths, and that what one person holds as sensible and true may not be so for another” (p. 49). This belief positions Ana as the expert of her own life, with the aid of counselor to assist and reframe negative beliefs and current life stressors. The primary goals of counseling for Ana would include:
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1. Reframing the Narrative: The counselor's first goal is to assist Ana in exploring and reconstructing her narrative about her current life situation. This involves helping her identify and challenge negative thought patterns and self-defeating beliefs.
2. Stress Reduction: Given Ana's significant stressors, the counselor should work on techniques to help her manage her anxiety and stress. This may include relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and stress reduction strategies. Helping Ana reduce her stress and expand her window of tolerance will be extremely beneficial in her healing process. 3. Emotional Expression: Encourage Ana to express her emotions and feelings about her job loss, her husband's deployment, and her fears about homelessness. Narrative therapy values giving voice to emotions and experiences.
4. Support and Coping Skills: Provide Ana with coping skills to deal with the challenges she faces, such as financial struggles and single parenthood. This may involve problem-solving techniques and helping Ana build a support network.
5. Identity Exploration: Assist Ana in exploring her identity as a solo parent, her immigrant background, and her educational and career aspirations. Narrative therapy often involves exploring how these aspects of identity influence one's story.
Intervention strategies that align with these goals include active listening, empathetic understanding, and open-ended questions. The counselor should collaboratively work with Ana to externalize problems, helping her see them as separate from herself (Ghavibazou et al., 2022). This approach can foster a sense of agency and reduce self-blame.
Process of Treatment
The length of treatment in narrative counseling can vary but typically ranges from a few sessions to several months, depending on the client's needs. In Ana's case, eight sessions 3
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authorized by her insurance company may provide a good starting point. The process of treatment for Ana is indicated below:
1. Assessment and Engagement: The initial sessions involve building rapport, understanding Ana's concerns, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of her life story, challenges, and strengths.
2. Externalization: The counselor helps Ana externalize her problems by separating them from her identity. For instance, instead of saying, "I am overwhelmed," she may reframe it as, "I am dealing with overwhelming circumstances."
3. Reauthoring the Narrative: Ana and the counselor collaboratively work to reconstruct her narrative. They explore alternative stories that emphasize her strengths, and coping abilities.
4. Skill-Building: Ana is equipped with coping strategies and stress management techniques. She learns how to apply these strategies to her daily life.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the process, the counselor and Ana assess her progress, addressing any setbacks and adjusting the narrative as needed.
6. Termination: As Ana gains confidence in her ability to navigate life's challenges, the counseling sessions can gradually reduce in frequency. Termination occurs when Ana feels empowered and capable of managing her life independently.
The counselor's role is that of a collaborator and facilitator, rather than an expert who provides solutions. Ana is the expert on her own life, and the counselor's role is to guide her in reshaping her narrative and discovering her strengths.
Social and Cultural Needs
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Narrative counseling theory is sensitive to social and cultural aspects of a client's life. In Ana's case, her immigrant background and cultural factors should be considered. Research findings suggest that narrative therapy can effectively address social and cultural needs (Morris, 2019): 1. Cultural Sensitivity: Counselors should be culturally competent and aware of the unique challenges faced by immigrants. This includes understanding the impact of acculturation stress and cultural differences in communication. 2. Cultural Storytelling: Narrative therapy encourages clients to explore and celebrate their cultural identity. Ana can benefit from reflecting on her Guatemalan heritage and how it shapes her story and values.
3. Collective Narrative: Research has shown that narrative therapy can incorporate collective storytelling, involving family members or community members. Ana's family background and relationships can be valuable resources in her narrative reconstruction (Etchison & Kleist, 2000).
4. Inclusive Language: Counselors should use inclusive language and consider the client's
preferred language. For Ana, who speaks Spanish fluently, offering therapy in her native language may enhance her engagement and expression.
Constructivist Philosophy and Collaborative Approach
Narrative counseling aligns with a constructivist philosophy that emphasizes the idea that
individuals construct their own realities. The collaborative approach within this theory empowers
clients to actively participate in their therapeutic journey. In Ana's case:
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1. Co-Creation of Meaning: Ana and the counselor collaboratively explore her experiences and co-create meaning from them. Ana is not a passive recipient of advice but an active participant in reshaping her narrative.
2. Empowerment: The constructivist philosophy and collaborative approach empower Ana to take ownership of her story and make choices that align with her values and goals.
3. Unique Perspectives: By engaging in collaborative conversations, Ana can gain different perspectives on her challenges and discover new ways to navigate them.
4. Respect for Diversity: The approach respects Ana's unique background and experiences, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Preventing Harm and Confusion
To prevent undue harm, risk, or confusion in narrative counseling, the counselor should always seek to uphold ethical standards, ensuring a safe and confidential space for Ana to share her experiences without judgment. In addition, the counselor should actively collaborate with Ana to ensure that the therapeutic process is aligned with her goals and values. Additional steps for the counselor to consider are listed below: 1.
Monitor Progress: Regularly assess Ana's progress and well-being to identify any signs of distress or regression. Adjust the therapeutic approach as needed
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Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural factors and how they may influence the counseling process. Respect Ana's cultural beliefs and values.
3. Referral: If necessary, consider referring Ana to other professionals or resources, such as financial counselors or support groups, to address specific needs.
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In summary, narrative counseling theory offers a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to help clients like Ana reconstruct their narratives, address their challenges, and build resilience. The process is client-centered, empowering individuals to take control of their stories and work towards their goals with the guidance of a supportive counselor (Seo et al., 2015). Ethical considerations and cultural competence are integral to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of this therapeutic approach.
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References
Conti, J., Heywood, L., Hay, P., Shrestha, R. M., & Perich, T. (2022). Paper 2: a systematic review of narrative therapy treatment outcomes for eating disorders—bridging the divide between practice-based evidence and evidence-based practice. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00636-4
Dekruyf, L. (2008). An Introduction to Narrative Therapy. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=gsc
Drewery, W., & Winslade, J. (1997). The theoretical story of narrative therapy. In G. Monk, J. Winslade, K. Crocket & D. Epston (Eds.), Narrative therapy in practice: The archaeology of hope (pp. 32-52). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Etchison, M. L., & Kleist, D. (2000). Review of Narrative Therapy: Research and Utility. ResearchGate; SAGE Publications. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238335902_Review_of_Narrative_Therapy_Re
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Ghavibazou, E., Hosseinian, S., Ghamari kivi, H., & Ale Ebrahim, N. (2022). Narrative therapy, applications, and outcomes: A systematic review. SSRN Electronic Journal, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4119920
Morris, C. (2019). Narrative Theory: A Culturally Sensitive Counseling and Research Framework. Counseling.org. https://www.counseling.org/resources/library/Selected
%20Topics/Multiculturalism/Narrative_Theory.htm
Murdock, N. L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach. Pearson. Peri, T., Hasson-Ohayon, I., Garber, S., Tuval-Mashiach, R., & Boelen, P. A. (2016). Narrative reconstruction therapy for prolonged grief disorder—rationale and case study. European 8
Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7(1), 30687. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v7.30687
Seo, M., Kang, H. S., Lee, Y. J., & Chae, S. M. (2015). Narrative therapy with an emotional approach for people with depression: Improved symptom and cognitive-emotional outcomes. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
, 22
(6), 379–389. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12200
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