Have you ever felt trapped by your own story? The narrative you've lived might feel fixed and unchangeable, but narrative therapy offers a powerful way to re-author that story,
Have you ever felt trapped by your own story? The narrative you've lived might feel fixed and unchangeable, but narrative therapy offers a powerful way to re-author that story, transforming your experience and outlook on life. This approach was recently explored in a study involving a group of women at a psychiatric clinic, aimed at helping them rewrite their personal narratives and foster deeper self-understanding and motivation. Let's dive into their journey, the techniques used, and the profound transformations that emerged.
Structure and Setting
The narrative therapy group consisted of seven women, all of whom were either patients or enrolled in Transition Support for Employment at a psychiatric clinic. The group met every fortnight, providing a consistent and supportive environment for participants to explore and reframe their personal stories. Each session focused on a different theme grounded in narrative therapy techniques, with a strong emphasis on externalisation. Externalisation involves separating individuals from their problems, allowing them to view issues from a new perspective. This technique is particularly powerful as it helps individuals see their problems as external entities that can be managed and transformed.
Participants were encouraged to write reflections during each session. This practice not only reinforced their learning but also provided a tangible record of their evolving thoughts and emotions. Writing down thoughts about recurring challenges and reflecting on them helped participants see situations more clearly and consider new ways to address them. This shift in perspective is a key goal of narrative therapy.
Understanding Self and Life
The themes explored during the sessions were designed to foster a deeper understanding of oneself and life. Participants delved into topics like "new understanding of self" and "forward-looking understanding of life." These themes helped them gain insights into their past experiences and future aspirations, enabling them to craft a more empowering personal narrative.
BDI-II Assessments
To measure the impact of the therapy, the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) was administered during the initial and final sessions. This tool helped quantify changes in depression levels, providing a clear metric for assessing progress.
Initial and Final Comparisons
The results were telling. The largest portion of depressed feelings emerged during the initial session, highlighting the participants' starting point. By the final session, four participants had significantly lower scores on BDI-II items such as self-criticism, indicating a marked improvement in their mental health.
Affinity Diagram
An affinity diagram was developed to categorise the participants' reflections into 22 lower categories and 4 upper categories: "Insight," "Sharing with others," "Changes with understanding of lives," and "Higher motivation." This diagram served as a visual representation of their collective journey and the key themes that emerged.
Exploring 'Insight'
The "Insight" category was particularly rich, comprising five lower categories. These included newfound clarity on personal thoughts and social issues. Understanding one's role in various aspects of life and viewing problems as external entities helped participants make healthier choices and approach situations with a new mindset.
Role of Clarifying Thoughts
A key finding was the mediating role of clarifying participants' thoughts about social problems. This process helped them see their personal struggles in the context of broader societal issues, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing their sense of agency.
Success Stories
The group's purpose was realised, as evidenced by the participants' improved mental health and increased motivation. For example, participants reported feeling more motivated to pursue their goals and engage in their communities, showcasing the transformative power of the therapy.
The journey these women undertook through narrative therapy was transformative, offering them a chance to re-author their stories and find new meaning in their experiences. By externalising their problems and exploring deep-seated themes, they gained valuable insights, improved their mental health, and found renewed motivation.
Narrative therapy is a powerful tool that can help anyone feel more in control of their story. Whether you're struggling with depression, self-criticism, anxiety, or a sense of hopelessness, this approach offers a path to understanding and transformation.
Masayoshi Morioka, Haruo Nomura, Editorial: Narrative‐Based Approaches in Psychological Research and Practice, Japanese Psychological Research, 10.1111/jpr.12382, 63, 4, (231-238), (2021).
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