Cognitive narrative psychotherapy: Research foundations

Abstract

There has been an increased interest in the study of language processes in psychotherapy. More recently, research and theoretical formulations of the therapeutic process suggested that we must move from the microscopic study of verbal modes to a macroscopic approach in which these modes are organized into narratives. Narratives are conceived, in this perspective, as the basic instruments for meaning making. In this article the research on narrative processes in psychotherapy is reviewed and discussed in terms of its implications for the theory and practice of cognitive narrative psychotherapy. Additionally some of the main data coming from research projects on cognitive narrative psychotherapy are presented.

Rewriting Self-Narratives: The Therapeutic Process

“…Like Kelly's personal constructs (1955), they are for the anticipating of events, action planning, and orientating oneself in the world of relationships (Bruner, 1990;Gonçalves, 1995;Sarbin, 1986). To provide an effective guide to an individual, a narrative has to arise out of a relationship between characters negotiating the meaning of events with each other, with one of them emerging as the dominant one and taking control of the action (Hermans & Kempen, 1993;Hermans, Kempen & van Loon, 1992).…”

Cognitive psychotherapy treatment decreases peripheral oxidative stress parameters associated with major depression disorder

“…Treatment protocols were created based on manuals developed for both models. The manual for CBP is grounded on Beck et al (Beck, Rush & Emery, 1997) theory and the manual of CNP was structured based on the proposal of Gonçalves & Machado (Gonçalves & Machado, 1999).…”

“…On the other hand, Cognitive Narrative Psychotherapy (CNP) aims to help individuals to narrate their own life history in a richer and more rewarding manner (Angus & McLeod, 2004;Gonçalves & Machado, 1999). Both types of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective in the remission of depressive symptoms (Gazal et al, 2013;Lopes et al, 2015;Mondin et al, 2014;Stice, Rohde, Gau & Wade, 2010;Strunk & DeRubeis, 2001).…”

The self-confrontation method: Theory, research, and practical utility

“…For example, it has been suggested that personal narratives and stories help one construct a coherent sense of self over time as well as frame future life directions and aspirations (Neimeyer, 1999). Personal narratives may also aid the assimilation of chaotic, problematic experiences into self schemas, which can lead to significant health benefits (Goncalves & Machado, 1999;Stiles, Honos-Webb, & Lani, 1999). For example, research using a writing paradigm intervention suggests that the best health outcomes result when an individual's narrative demonstrates greater coherence and structure, greater complexity, and increased meaning creation (Angus, Levitt, & Hardtke, 1999;Baerger & McAdams, 1999;Pennebaker, 1993Pennebaker, , 1995Russell & Wandrei, 1996).…”