How do you use narrative theory to build resilient clients?

1 Understand narrative theory

Narrative theory is based on the idea that people construct meaning and identity through the stories they tell themselves and others about their lives. These stories are influenced by social, cultural, and personal factors, and can have positive or negative effects on how people cope with challenges and opportunities. Narrative theory suggests that people are not passive victims of their circumstances, but active agents who can change their stories and shape their futures.

2 Establish a collaborative relationship

To use narrative theory effectively, you need to establish a trusting and respectful relationship with your client. This means listening attentively, empathizing with their emotions, and validating their experiences. You also need to avoid imposing your own assumptions, judgments, or solutions on your client, and instead invite them to share their perspectives and preferences. You can use open-ended questions, reflections, and affirmations to encourage your client to express their thoughts and feelings.

3 Identify the dominant story

The dominant story is the main narrative that your client has about themselves and their situation. It is often influenced by external factors, such as stereotypes, stigma, or oppression, that limit their sense of agency and potential. The dominant story can also be internalized by your client, leading to negative beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. To identify the dominant story, you can ask your client to describe the problem they are facing, how it affects them, and what it says about them.

4 Explore the alternative story

The alternative story is the counter-narrative that your client can develop to challenge and transform the dominant story. It is based on the strengths, values, and achievements that your client has, but may have overlooked or minimized. The alternative story can also include the hopes, goals, and aspirations that your client has for themselves and their future. To explore the alternative story, you can ask your client to recall times when they acted differently from the dominant story, what they learned from those experiences, and what they want to do differently.

5 Externalize the problem

Externalizing the problem is a narrative technique that helps your client separate themselves from the dominant story and the problem. It involves using language that personifies the problem as an entity that has a name, a voice, and a motive. This way, your client can see the problem as something outside of themselves, rather than something that defines them. Externalizing the problem can also help your client recognize their own agency and resistance to the problem, and how they can influence or change it.

6 Celebrate and support the change

The final step in using narrative theory to build resilient clients is to celebrate and support the change that your client has made or is making in their lives. This means acknowledging and reinforcing the alternative story that your client has created, and helping them to sustain and expand it. You can do this by providing feedback, praise, and encouragement, and by helping your client to find and use resources, networks, and allies that can support their change process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?