Narrative Therapy in Practice: The Archaeology of Hope

"The utility of this volume's conservative social constructionist praxis is undeniable. . . . Narrative Therapy in Practice nevertheless provides scholarly and lucidly assembled contributions that significantly broaden the scope of narrative praxis, and for this reason it is recommended reading." (Contemporary Psychology)

". . . recommend Narrative Therapy in Practice . . . to professionals and therapists in training who are interested in learning the theory and the practice of narrative work." (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)

?This book is a testimony to the spirit of a community of therapists in New Zealand who set about supporting each other in explorations of the practice, ethics and politics of what has come to be known as ?Narrative Therapy.? But more than this, it constitutes a powerful invitation to us all to follow suit, to join with others in the generation of new options for action in this work. Inspired reading.? (Michael White, Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, Australia)

?A wonderful book! Readable and lucid, it clarifies narrative therapy and its specifics for both the beginner and advanced practitioner--and it is also theoretically powerful. I liked the scholarship, the energy, the practicality, and the awareness of complex multicultural issues.? (Allen E. Ivey, distinguished university professor, school and counseling psychology program, University of Massachusetts)

?In this clearly written book, the focus is not on `experts' solving problems, it is on people becoming `consultants to themselves', and dissolving their problems by discovering in dialogue, the new and better, but previously unrecognized possibilities they already contain within themselves. An important and useful book indeed.? (John Shotter, professor of interpersonal relations, Department of Communication, University of New Hampshire)

Narrative therapy―first introduced by Australia's Michael White and David Epston more than ten years ago―is based on the theory that an individual's problems are manufactured in a social, cultural, and political context. Each person produces meaning for their own life, instead of meaning being made for us.As this important new book, Narrative Therapy in Practice, demonstrates this innovative approach requires that the therapist and client work in collaboration to help the client unearth dormant competencies, talents, abilities and resources and create a positive "redescription" of the client. The information presented in this instructive resource is grounded in solid scientific research in the fields of learning, language and cognitive behavior. And, for the first time, using practical examples, clinicians are shown how narrative therapy can be applied in a variety of situations, such as treating alcoholics, counseling students, working with indigenous native communities, treating male sexual abuse survivors, and more.