Some Historical Conditions of Narrative Work

Abstract

Written to honor the immense contribution of Michael White as a leader in the development of narrative therapy, this historical essay contrasts the origins of psychoanalysis, family therapy and narrative therapy. Changes in the understanding of therapeutic strategies, methods of training and supervision, styles of leadership, the involvement of audiences in the therapeutic and training processes, and conceptions of the nature of the mind are described. A style of direct demonstration of methods, especially of the formulation of questions, is important in narrative work. The central master-role of the therapist in analysis and family therapy is replaced in narrative work by eliciting local knowledge, and the recruitment of audiences to the work. This is consistent with narrative therapy's "de-centered" image of the therapist.

The “Homeless Problem” and the Double Consciousness*

“…According to Sween (1998:4), “If narrative therapy had one slogan, it would be: ‘The person is never the problem; the problem is the problem.’” If a double consciousness results from one’s experience as an existential problem for society, it would seem well advised to employ strategies that directly reframe that existential condition. As a departure from the ontological problems that attend analytical modes of therapy—disfranchising the patient as the problem, empowering the therapist as the solution—engagement in narrative practice represents an attempt to collaborate with the patient in a dialogical relationship to help them develop new discursive frameworks for understanding their own lives (Beels 2009).…”

Power Hierarchy, Multiple Truth, and Innovations in Narrative Supervision

“…Thus, they may prevent and diminish the supervisees' self-empowerment and narrow down their scope of knowledge and ideas. Therefore, the narrative approach prefers that the process of supervision be collaborative (Bird, 2006); that although the supervisor has an influence (Speedy, 2000;Beels, 2009), the decisions in therapy are made jointly between the supervisee and the client (Behan, 2003;Redstone, 2009). When this is the case, the supervision process enables the supervisees to connect with their preferred choices, their preferred values, and their hopes in the professional realm.…”

Thematic review of family therapy journals 2009

“…Family Process devoted a special section to the work of Michael White. The section contains articles comparing the origins of psychoanalysis, family therapy and narrative therapy (Beels, 2009); the use of White's concept of the ‘absent but implicit’ to enquire into the stories of self that lie beyond the problem story (Carey et al , 2009) and a narrative therapy‐informed approach to conducting consultations with organizations and communities (Freedman and Combs, 2009). The section also contained an article on the incorporation of Gilles Deleuze's analysis of power relations, in terms of lines of power and lines of flight, into the narrative therapy of relationship distress (Winslade, 2009).…”