• Narrative therapy is a postmodern approach that respects the client as the expert

of his or her destiny. It acknowledges how a person’s perceptions and

experiences result in certain beliefs and actions. Narrative therapy is based on
the idea that a person’s life and relationships are shaped by the “stories” a
person creates or that are created for them in relationships.
• The narrative therapist assists clients to resolve their problems by helping them
to separate themselves from the problems that keep them from fulfilling lives,
assisting them to challenge how they currently live, and negotiating a newer,
more preferred story. The narrative therapist empowers the client to “reauthor”
his or her life by identifying unique outcomes and deconstructing the problem’s
effect on their life.
• Narrative therapy helps family members to understand the meanings they make
about themselves and their relationships within their families. Through a
process of learning from the family members how certain interactions have
created the family’s story and, thereby, dilemma, the narrative therapist invites
family members to identify their current role in perpetuating the problem,
encouraging them to allow the possibility for a more preferred story to emerge.
• We live our lives through stories, and our reality is created by the language we use to describe these stories.
These stories are created based on our interpretations of lived experience and consist of events linked in
sequence across time, according to a plot. The meanings we ascribe to situations filter this story development,
mapping our experiences over time. Our stories are socially constructed, meaning our relationships with other
people create the context within which we define our lives and the world around us. The way a person interacts
with society influences how they organize experiences, which ultimately shapes behavior. Family members,
friends, and others, both inside and outside of our own culture, race, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual
orientation, and religion, influence our stories. This process is influenced by the messages present in the society
in which we live.
• "The interpretation of an event is determined by its receiving context, and events that can’t be patterned are not
selected for survival" (White & Epston, 1990). This concept is eloquently described by Edward Bruner (1986):
". . . life experience is richer than discourse. Narrative structures organize and give meaning to experience, but
there are always feelings and lived experience not fully encompassed by the dominant story" (p. 143).
• Because of this, reality is seen as being subjective. Events that do not fit the existing plot tend to be omitted
from the evolving storyline. For example, a young child who is required to do household chores may see
himself as "free labor," finding events that confirm this label while setting aside moments that disconfirm this
description. A narrative therapist would redescribe the term "free labor" and assist the young man in redefining
his role in the family by seeking "unique outcomes" that highlight his importance and the appreciation the
family has for him. Such a change in thoughts and beliefs about oneself leads to the construction of a new story
and a new discourse. This process of redescribing a story that incorporates unique outcomes is called
reauthoring (Myerhoff, 1986; White, 1988). Sociologist Erving Goffman (1961) describes unique outcomes as
feelings and experiences that do not survive the dominant narrative. They foster the possibility for alternative
stories to form and become the predominant narrative in one’s life. This reauthoring provides the client an
opportunity to change beliefs and then behavior.
• **THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS**
• The following list of assumptions serves to further explain the theory behind narrative therapy
in the context of couples. The list is a compilation of the work Jill Freedman and Gene Combs
have provided in workshops, as well as information obtained from The Institute of Narrative
Therapy, all of which is detailed on their respective websites (Freedman & Combs, n.d.).
1. Our lives as a couple are socially constructed.
- We are born into some stories (gender roles, relationship expectations, cultural norms).
- Other stories are constructed through our shared experiences of life and the meanings we
attribute to them.
- We become the couple we are through our interactions and the meanings we make of each
other's perceptions and interactions.
2. We organize our lives as a couple through stories.
- Our shared narrative is composed of events linked over time by a common theme.
- We can create many different stories or meanings of any particular event in our relationship.
- There are many experiences in our shared life together that have not been “storied.”
- Each of those events could, if storied, lead to a different, often preferable, narrative for our
relationship.
3. Stories provide the framework we need to give events and experiences in our relationship meaning.
- The narrative framework helps us attribute meaning and, thus, guides our responses to events.
- Familiar experiences are given familiar meanings within our relationship.
- New experiences are compared against our shared narrative to give them meaning.
- Every story within our relationship consists of ambiguity.
- The more prominent a story is within our relationship, the more it shapes our shared life together.
4. The dominant discourses in our society powerfully influence what gets storied within our relationship
and how it gets storied.
- A discourse within our relationship is a system of words, actions, rules, beliefs, and shared
understandings that reflect common values. These discourses sustain particular relational worldviews.
- Discourses tend to be invisible and taken for granted as part of the fabric of our relationship reality.
5. Locating problems in discourses helps us see ourselves as a couple separate from our problems.
- We seek to identify the discourses that support problematic stories within our relationship. Once a
problem is linked to a problematic discourse, we can more easily work together to oppose that discourse
or choose to construct our relationship in line with a different, preferred discourse (Freedman &
Combs, n.d.).
Perspective of the Couple
• In the context of narrative therapy for couples, there is no concrete truth, but rather an ambiguous truth
created for each individual that is shaped by their shared experiences. The focus of therapy is not on
determining what caused the problem, but rather on understanding how the problem has affected each
partner involved. The narrative therapist views the couple as possessing a rich history together that
provides various unique outcomes due to their shared experiences, interactions, and cultural context. The
therapist avoids labeling the couple or individual partners.
• The purpose of narrative therapy for couples is to help partners change the way they talk about the
problem or alter the way they view the problem’s impact on their relationship. By exploring the story of
the problem together, the couple can reauthor their shared past, identifying other aspects that may not
have been previously apparent. Through this process, the therapist assists the couple in identifying a more
preferred story that is not dominated by the problem, allowing them to regain control of their shared
narrative.
• This therapeutic approach does not erase the occurrence of problems within the couple’s relationship, but
rather empowers them to live in a reality where the problem is not the central focus of their story together.
• Narrative therapy emphasizes the importance of both partners in a couple having the opportunity to tell
their story. It stresses the significance of hearing each perspective and validating each partner’s
experiences. Taking the time to go through this process allows each partner to be heard, gain
understanding of the other's perspective, develop empathy for each other's experiences, and
collaboratively work towards creating a shared preferred story that honors both individuals' perspectives.
Theory of Change
• Change occurs in narrative therapy by creating space for an alternative story to be present. This creates room for
the couple to talk about the problem differently and recognize that there are multiple, different stories that can be
present within their relationship. There are various different causes that create problems, and a couple may not
definitively know why a problem has occurred. Because of this, there are also numerous ways to interact with a
problem. Allowing room to explore this in therapy is beneficial to reconstruct a more preferred story with the
couple and establish a different relationship with the problem.
• Narrative therapy creates space to redefine how the problem influences the couple’s life. New meanings initiate
new actions. Therapy, therefore, deconstructs unhelpful discourses that have taken over the couple’s life and
suggests, during the session, new discourses that will direct their life more favorably. For example, a couple who
has experienced infidelity may identify as victims of the betrayal. Redescription enables the couple to view
themselves differently, perhaps as survivors of the challenges they faced. This changes the relationship with the
problem so the couple feels empowered over its influence, seeing themselves as resilient. This way, the couple no
longer feels powerless by the problem but rather finds different ways to interact with it. This is done in therapy by
generating alternative stories through meaningful questions, which opens space for a different dialogue.
Discussing the couple’s hopes for a preferred story, as well as allowing that preferred story to exist in the future
context, allows the couple to have hope that the alternative story can exist in their realm of possibility.
• Working this way, it is important to externalize the problem, making it something that is not a defect that exists
within the couple but instead is separate from them, allowing the couple to take control of the problem instead of
succumbing to it. Externalizing allows the couple to see how the problem has influenced their life, by mapping the
effects of the problem on their relationship. Externalizing, followed by the use of deconstructive questioning, helps
the couple question the values and beliefs that have been affected by the problem. This allows the possibility of the
couple reclaiming their values and interacting with the problem differently, preventing the problem from
interfering with their future as much.
Role of the Therapist
• The therapist in narrative therapy assumes the role of a curious listener, leaving space for new dialogue, which helps to change the
current discourse in the problematic story. In doing so, the therapist creates a warm and empathetic environment that allows the
possibility to facilitate new preferred stories. The therapist explores the unique outcomes, also referred to as exceptions and sparkling
moments. The therapist is genuine and curious, overtly questioning assumptions without being definitive in the client’s experience.
• This approach also emphasizes the importance of the therapist's self-work. Because reality is socially constructed, the therapist also
comes to therapy with specific biases shaped by their own worldview. By taking a not-knowing stance, the therapist can interact with
the client on multiple levels and lessen the chance for the therapist to be biased by problematic stories. Additionally, the therapist
should also be aware of cultural aspects of the client’s racial or ethnic background. This awareness provided to the therapist by the
client is invaluable in regards to staying objective.
• The therapist is not considered an expert in narrative therapy but instead is more of a co-author or editor. Therapy is a collaborative
process, where the therapist explores different ways to talk about the dominant story and reauthor the future with the clients. This
opportunity in couples therapy encourages the couple to align against a dominant, problematic story and create new preferred
outcomes, complete with new roles and discourse.
• The use of labels is avoided in narrative therapy, as it creates a problematic discourse. Instead, the label is externalized so that the
person escapes from the clutches of the label. If a label must be used, the therapist would choose the term “person” or “people” to
describe someone they are working with over the label “client.” Even a word such as “client” comes with specific connotations and
role expectations. This is one of the reasons why the use of language, specifically the use of the client’s own language, is so important
in this approach. Not only does it help contribute to a warm and inviting environment, it helps reduce the therapist from being the
expert and places the client in a position of authority and power over their story. Language can empower discouraged couples and
diminish couple isolation by using words that suggest their values, experience, and natural support system. The goal is to liberate the
couple from the oppression of the problem and the oppression of larger systems that stereotype and label them.
• The work done by the narrative therapist is influential in that it elicits from the client the construction of a new story where players
take on new roles. By no means should the therapist take credit for the progress made in therapy. Instead, the therapist should
internally acknowledge how influential they are in the therapy room, taking this responsibility seriously, yet not giving credit to
themselves for change. Ultimately, the therapist’s role is to assist the client in discovering those events and meanings that contribute
to their preferred story. The therapist collaborates with the client in rewriting their problematic stories or identities into preferred
ones.
Narrative Therapy Practices in Couples Counseling

• The narrative approach emphasizes basic practices over interventions, focusing on changing the
narrative to alter how couples interact with their problems. In couples therapy, identifying
problem-saturated stories is crucial. Couples learn to separate the problem from themselves,
creating space for new, alternative, and preferred stories to emerge. As therapy progresses, the
focus shifts to helping couples propagate these new narratives in their lives. The therapist's
approach to these practices can vary, but here are some techniques commonly used:

1. Problems and Externalizing Conversations**

• - The therapist emphasizes that the problem is not the person; the problem is the problem itself.
• - Problems play a central role in narrative therapy, seen as highly undesirable. The therapist's
focus is not on solving problems but on helping couples deconstruct problems to diminish their
power and influence.
• - Externalizing the problem involves linguistically personifying it, removing it from within the
couple and placing it outside of them. This shift helps the couple view the problem as separate
from themselves, reducing feelings of guilt and shame.
2. Externalizing Through Deconstruction**

• - Deconstruction involves examining the assumptions underlying problem-saturated

stories. Couples are encouraged to disassemble these stories and explore their roles in
perpetuating them.
• - By deconstructing the problem, the couple can view it from different perspectives,
empowering them to redefine its role and impact on their relationship.

3. Unique Outcomes**

• - Unique outcomes, also known as exceptions or "sparkling moments," are irregular

occurrences that deviate from the dominant problem narrative. Couples are encouraged
to identify times when the problem did not have a strong grip on them or when they
interacted with the problem differently.
• - Identifying unique outcomes empowers couples to believe in their own competencies
and provides strategies for stepping into alternative stories with new outcomes.
4. Reauthoring**

• - Reauthoring involves rewriting problem-saturated stories into more preferred

narratives. As unique outcomes are explored, the therapist helps the couple envision
these outcomes in their present and future.
• - By changing the descriptions surrounding the problem, couples can rewrite their
stories and adopt new perspectives. Co-authors are invited to participate in this
process, turning the preferred story into a reality.

5. Letter Writing and Certificates**

• - Therapists may use letters or certificates to document and celebrate couples'

progress in therapy. These documents highlight unique outcomes and congratulate
couples on their hard work in creating alternative narratives.
• - Letters and certificates serve as living documents that track couples' progress and
encourage them to continue their journey toward their preferred stories.
• **NARRATIVE THERAPY WORKING TEMPLATE FOR COUPLES**

• The phase outline provided is meant to be used as a guideline in learning

the process of narrative therapy for couples. It can be used by beginning
therapists to help identify steps to take as they work through therapy with
the couple. Suggested questions are provided to provide inspiration,
though the reader is encouraged to use this platform as a way to better
understand the therapeutic approach.
• **Tools for Change**

• Though there is no specific structure to a therapy session, Freedman and Combs identify the “ideal shape for a therapy conversation” (1996,
p. 101). It is important to keep in mind that conversations may veer away from this outline. The following suggestions provide a loose shell
to guide new therapists to the perspectives valued in narrative therapy. The format is as follows:

• As the couple starts discussing the problem, it is appropriate for the therapist to ask about unique outcomes. Only one is needed to cultivate
a new meaning. It is important to note that the unique outcome should be something that begins to identify a more preferred story. The
therapist should continue to explore unique outcomes if the couple finds additional ways to add to the problem story (i.e., “I feel even more
hopeless this week than I did last week”). As the couple begins to identify the unique outcomes from last week, they may need some
prompting from the therapist. It is appropriate for the therapist to inquire about specific details of the unique experience. This is a way the
therapist plots the story by identifying actions. As the couple begins to identify more details about the unique outcome, the therapist may
plot the story in a way that identifies the couple’s strengths or resources. This is where the therapist begins to help the couple create an
alternative story by reauthoring the problem-saturated story. The therapist asks questions about past experiences that are similar to the
couple’s identified unique outcomes and encourages the couple to link the past event with the unique outcome stated previously. Next,
extend the preferred story into the future, allowing it to become as rich in detail as possible.

• - Has there been a time when the anxiety was not as strong? (unique outcome question)
• - Has there been a time in the past week where you were not overcome with shame? Even for a moment? (unique outcome focusing on
preferred experience)
• - How were you able to do that? (action question)
• - What do you think this says about you? (identifying strengths)
• - What about when you were a child? Was there a time when you confronted fear? (past experience)
• - How are these two experiences related? (linking past with present question) What qualities do you go toward during experiences such as
these?
• - How do you see this quality impacting your relationship in the future? (future question)
• **Phase 1: Assessment**

• During the assessment phase, the therapist attempts to get to know the
couple aside from the problem. This helps identify strengths and begins the
externalizing process by helping the couple notice they are separate from
the problem. The therapist should create a warm and inviting atmosphere
where the couple feels comfortable answering the therapist’s questions.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this
phase:
• - I’ve heard a little about the problem. Tell me a little bit about each of you.
• - What sort of things do you enjoy doing together?
• - As we are getting to know each other, is there anything important you need
to know about me?
• **Phase 2: Understanding the Presenting Issue**

• The therapist is interested in the presenting issue in relation to its dominant position. The
presenting problem is important only in identifying how it is maintained. As the problem-
saturated story develops, the therapist is mindful to use the couple’s language. A narrative
therapist is transparent about the note-taking process, offering for the couple to see the
notes and allowing them to take a copy of the notes after the session. As the couple talks
about the problem, the therapist can start addressing the problem in externalizing ways,
intentionally separating it from the couple. Then the therapist will ask the couple to name
the problem and listen for descriptive words the couple uses to explain it.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this phase:
• - Tell me a little bit about what brought you here today.
• - Tell me about the problem that has intruded in your relationship.
• - If the partners begin blaming each other or other individuals, ask, “Is this more in the
direction of the problem or the new project?” to refocus on the preferred goal. “How
would you like to proceed? In which direction, the problem story or resolution?”
• **Phase 3: Assessment of Relationship Dynamics**

• In narrative therapy, the couple assesses the problem and its effects on their relationship, not the
therapist. This allows the couple to take ownership or control of the problem. It also allows the
couple to explore the effects of the problem on their relationship. The therapist takes a not-knowing
stance, making no assumptions about the couple or the problem. Though the therapist does not have
assumptions about the couple, the couple may come to therapy with unspoken assumptions about
each other. Externalizing through deconstruction may be used to uncover unspoken assumptions
that contribute to the continuation of the problem.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this phase:
• - Tell me about what was going on in your lives when this issue started affecting your relationship.
• - What do you think you both do that prevents resolving this issue?
• - How does this issue interfere in your relationship?
• - How does this issue impact your interactions with each other? What about with your friends and
family?
• - What was different about your relationship when this issue was not as prominent?
• - Tell me about any times when the problem didn’t have the upper hand?
• **Phase 4: Goals**

• In collaboration with the couple, the therapist helps identify their relationship goals.
This can be done by asking future-oriented questions, defining how their relationship
will be when the problem is no longer dominant. The therapist may have to reorganize
the conversation to amplify what the couple does want, rather than what they do not
want. If the conversation continues to be problem-saturated, the therapist may ask how
the problem is affecting their relationship. Then, the therapist may prompt the couple
with questions that amplify what they hope to be doing differently.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this phase:
• - When you think about the issue that has affected your relationship, how has it intruded
with your interactions with each other?
• - How will you know when both of you are in control and the problem has little chance
of interfering?
• - What will each of you be doing differently that would tell you both that the problem is
no longer in control?
• **Phase 5: Amplifying Change**

• As the couple continues to identify a preferred story and is able to think of ways to interact with the problem
differently, the therapist leads therapy in a direction that amplifies change. This is done by continuing to focus
on unique outcomes that contradict the problem-saturated story. The therapist may be continually curious at this
phase, asking specific details about the unique outcome. As the couple continues to identify unique outcomes,
they are able to experience a sense of personal agency, allowing them to identify ways to intervene in their own
relationship.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this phase:
- How have you both been able to keep the problem at bay this week?
- What have you done to sustain the preferred story? What have each of you done?

• The therapist might also use a letter:

Dear [Couple's Last Name],
I am writing to express my amazement in your ability to overcome the challenges in your relationship this week.
You shared with me that you were able to [mention specific positive actions or changes]. As these positive changes
become more consistent, I am confident that you are both on the path to creating a more fulfilling relationship
together. I look forward to hearing more about your progress in our next session.
Sincerely,
[Therapist's Name]
• **Phase 6: Termination**

• In narrative therapy, the therapist should treat each session like the last, allowing the couple to
decide if they would like to meet again. When the couple says that they are ready for
termination, the therapist reassures them that they are equipped to handle the problem, based on
what they have learned in therapy. This allows the couple to see themselves as authors of their
own relationship story. As the termination process begins, the therapist may want to give the
couple a final letter or certificate of achievement highlighting their progress. This visual
representation of the couple’s progress can help solidify change and help them continue the
momentum they are experiencing in living their most preferred story.

• Here are some comments or questions that a therapist might use during this phase:
• - When you think of the ways that you have overcome the challenges in your relationship, what
comes to mind?
• - What does that tell you about each other? How did each of you contribute to this progress?
• - What does it mean to you both to know that you have made positive changes and strengthened
your relationship?
• - Since you have constructed a new story together, how do you hope your relationship continues?