What does externalizing the problem in narrative therapy involve?

In narrative therapy, externalizing the problem refers to the process of separating the individual from their issues by viewing the problem as an external entity rather than a part of the person’s identity. This approach allows clients to discuss the problem in a way that empowers them, as it shifts the focus away from their internal struggles and emphasizes that they are not defined by their problems.

By conceptualizing the problem as something outside of themselves, clients can gain distance and perspective, which can lead to increased agency and the capacity to change their relationship with the issue. This externalization can manifest in conversations where clients might refer to their anxiety or depression as “the anxiety” or “the depression,” thus making it a separate entity that they can confront and manage.

While addressing past traumas, identifying sources of emotional pain, or using established therapeutic frameworks may be relevant in therapy, they do not specifically capture the essence of externalizing the problem as it pertains to narrative therapy. The key component of this technique lies in objectifying the problem, which opens up new possibilities for understanding and change.