In Narrative Therapy, how are problems treated within the client's story?

In Narrative Therapy, how are problems treated within the client's story?

• A. Problems are externalized and become characters within the story
• B. Problems are inherent traits
• C. Problems are solely caused by biology
• D. Problems cannot be changed

Answer: (A)

Narrative therapy focuses on externalizing the problem, treating it as a separate entity within the person’s story rather than a fixed part of who they are. By giving the issue its own name and voice—like a separate character or force—the client can observe how it has influenced thoughts, actions, and relationships, and start to question its power. This separation helps reduce self-blame and increases ownership over change, making it easier to rewrite the narrative toward preferred outcomes that reflect the person’s strengths and values. That approach stands in contrast to viewing problems as inherent traits, which implies a fixed identity; attributing issues solely to biology, which emphasizes a medical or biological explanation over personal agency; or believing problems cannot be changed, which runs counter to the goal of re-authoring a more satisfying story.

Narrative therapy focuses on externalizing the problem, treating it as a separate entity within the person’s story rather than a fixed part of who they are. By giving the issue its own name and voice—like a separate character or force—the client can observe how it has influenced thoughts, actions, and relationships, and start to question its power. This separation helps reduce self-blame and increases ownership over change, making it easier to rewrite the narrative toward preferred outcomes that reflect the person’s strengths and values.

That approach stands in contrast to viewing problems as inherent traits, which implies a fixed identity; attributing issues solely to biology, which emphasizes a medical or biological explanation over personal agency; or believing problems cannot be changed, which runs counter to the goal of re-authoring a more satisfying story.