Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends

Narrative means is the foundation for narrative therapy. This book provides the foundational theoretical and some clinical applications for narrative therapy. The major contribution is the role narrative therapists play in advocating for their clients as demonstrated in the use of letter writing. This approach challenges more traditional therapy models to be grounded in the lived experiences and communities of their clients as well as advocate for needed changes when necessary. This is a great and essential place to begin learning about narrative therapy.

It's great to couple this book with the Gerald Monk et al. book "Narrative therapy practices: The archaeology of hope". Both provide gentle, insightful introductions to this emerging counseling practice, and moreover, offer "real world" examples and exercises for group and individual practice.

This book is a great resource for developing a theoretical understanding of narrative therapy. Specific techniques such as letter writing and certificates are described in detail. However, if you are looking for a how-to guide on narrative therapy, I would suggest "Playful approaches to serious problems: Narrative therapy with children and their families" by Freeman, J., Epston, D., & Lobvits, D. (1997).

I was surprised to read the other negative reviews of this book. This book is, after all, the text which defined the philisophical underpinning of a new way of looking at expertise in therapy. Yes, much of the book, especially the discussion of Foucault's ideas, is hard going and at times requires a second or even third read. This is not a "how to" book. It is an invitation to a way of thinking about problems and their role in a life. It is a book about the transformative value of conversations, viewpoints and relationship. This book is not for sissies, but it is brilliant. Those who want a "narrative primer" should be able to find one elsewhere. However, they will be skipping the magic of transformative thought. Michael White and David Epston have unleased the power of alternatives for those oppressed by problems and by society. An amazing read!

This is the book that started the current focus on narrative therapy. There are only four chapters in this book and each explains a large part of narrative counseling. One of the best chapters is on how the process of "externalizing" works. Another good chapter is about how writing letters and making documents for clients can be an effective therapy tool. Although this book is over ten years old, it is still the first book that someone should read when learning about narrative counseling.