Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a supportive counseling approach that helps people view their life stories in new ways. Instead of seeing problems as part of who they are, it teaches clients to see them as separate from their identity. Counselors using this method help people rewrite their life stories to focus on strengths and solutions. It's similar to other therapy styles like Solution-Focused Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but unique in how it treats people's stories as central to healing. This approach is especially popular in family counseling, individual therapy, and school counseling settings.
Examples in Resumes
Applied Narrative Therapy techniques to help clients reshape their personal stories and overcome challenges
Conducted individual and family sessions using Narrative Therapy approaches
Trained junior counselors in Narrative Therapy and Narrative Practice methods
Typical job title: "Narrative Therapists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Narrative Therapists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train other therapists in Narrative Therapy approaches?
Expected Answer: A senior therapist should explain how they would teach the basic concepts of separating people from their problems, finding unique outcomes, and helping clients reauthor their stories. They should mention practical examples and supervision methods.
Q: How do you adapt Narrative Therapy for different cultural contexts?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how they modify narrative approaches for different cultural backgrounds, respect diverse storytelling traditions, and maintain cultural sensitivity while helping clients reshape their narratives.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how you use externalization in Narrative Therapy?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they help clients separate problems from their identity, giving examples of how they might name problems and discuss them as external influences rather than personal failures.
Q: How do you identify and develop alternative stories with clients?
Expected Answer: Should describe methods for finding exceptions to problem stories, highlighting client strengths, and helping clients build new, more empowering narratives about their lives.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of Narrative Therapy?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the main ideas: separating people from their problems, viewing clients as experts in their own lives, and helping people rewrite their stories in more helpful ways.
Q: How do you start a Narrative Therapy session with a new client?
Expected Answer: Should describe how they would begin exploring a client's story, demonstrate active listening skills, and explain how they would start identifying problems as separate from the person.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic counseling skills and active listening
- Understanding of narrative therapy principles
- Ability to conduct initial client assessments
- Knowledge of ethical guidelines and documentation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced narrative questioning techniques
- Group therapy facilitation
- Case conceptualization skills
- Crisis intervention abilities
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision of other therapists
- Complex case management
- Program development and evaluation
- Clinical research and publication experience
Red Flags to Watch For
- Inability to explain basic narrative therapy concepts
- Lack of proper counseling licensure or certification
- Poor listening skills or tendency to give direct advice
- No experience with clinical documentation
- Unfamiliarity with ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements
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