Narativní psychoterapie – Freedman Jill (2024)

The book presents basic information about the narrative approach in psychotherapy. This approach is based on the theory of social constructionism and understands clients' statements in therapy as stories that constitute human experience. The authors first describe their philosophical background, then share their own story of how they came to the narrative perspective. They focus in detail on narrative methods – particularly the deconstruction and development of the client's story in a way that fosters a sense that they can influence how they experience and perceive their own life. The goal is to create alternative views of one's own story and the possibility to choose among them how one will understand oneself. These selected stories can be reinforced by the client in life through various documents, celebrations, and conversations, thereby changing how entire families and communities understand themselves. Methodological reflections are illustrated with examples from practice – transcripts of parts of consultations and detailed case studies. The conclusion of the book addresses ethical questions within narrative psychotherapy.