[BOOK][B] Narrative therapy.

S Madigan - 2011 - psycnet.apa.org
S Madigan
2011psycnet.apa.org
Narrative therapy is a truly collaborative approach to helping in which the therapist and
client re-author the client's problem story. Grounded in feminist, anthropological, and
multicultural theories, the narrative approach occupies theoretical space in opposition to the
historical topdown approach of psychology in which dominant notions of mental health are
used to explain the experiences of clients. With social justice and social change increasingly
becoming part of mainstream psychological practice, narrative therapy offers an innovative …
Abstract
Narrative therapy is a truly collaborative approach to helping in which the therapist and client re-author the client’s problem story. Grounded in feminist, anthropological, and multicultural theories, the narrative approach occupies theoretical space in opposition to the historical topdown approach of psychology in which dominant notions of mental health are used to explain the experiences of clients. With social justice and social change increasingly becoming part of mainstream psychological practice, narrative therapy offers an innovative and inclusive model for honoring the lived experience of clients. Dr. Stephen Madigan presents this postmodern approach clearly, with a memorable personal and narrative style. He had originally titled this book Who Has the Storytelling Rights to the Story Being Told?—which accurately depicts the stance of the therapist in this important approach. The narrative therapist believes there is no one objective truth, but rather multiple “truths” that provide other possible interpretations for client problems (and solutions). The narrative therapist is also acutely aware that problems are created in social, cultural, and political contexts (including the actual practice of psychotherapy) that often serve to obstruct and marginalize the very lives of those whom therapists purport to treat. This book on narrative therapy is an important addition to the series.(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
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