Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities

Combs, Gene,Freedman, Jill

ISBN 10: 0393702073 / ISBN 13: 9780393702071

Published by W. W. Norton & Company, 1996

With very good dust jacket. Very Good hardcover with light shelfwear - NICE! Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # mon0000346839

Synopsis:

For psychotherapy students, teachers, and practitioners, this book describes the clinical application of the growing body of ideas and practices that has come to be known as narrative therapy. Clear and compelling demonstrations of narrative therapy practice, rich in case examples and creative strategies, are at the heart of this book.

From the Back Cover: This book describes the clinical application of the growing body of ideas and practices that has come to be known as narrative therapy. The primary focus is on the ways of working that have arisen among therapists who, inspired by the pioneering efforts of Michael White and David Epston, have organized their thinking around two metaphors: narrative and social construction. The authors are as concerned with attitude as with technique. Believing that a solid grounding in the worldview from which narrative practices spring is essential, they begin with an overview of the historical, philosophical, and ideological aspects of the narrative/social constructionist perspective. This involves also telling the story of their own development as particular therapists in a particular part of the world during a particular historical period. The heart of the book is devoted to specific clinical practices: locating problems in their sociocultural context, opening space for alternative stories, developing stories, questioning, reflecting, thickening plots, and spreading the news. Each practice is described, located in relation to the ideas and attitudes that support it, and illustrated with clinical examples. In addition to conversations with people illustrating particular practices, three transcripts are included to show the subtle use of questions to develop alternative, preferred realities. Drawing upon the thinking of White and Epston, Karl Tomm, and others, the final chapter looks at the ethics of relationship that guide narrative therapists in the use of specific practices.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction ...
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication Date: 1996
Binding: hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included