What does mapping the problem involve in narrative therapy?

Mapping the problem in narrative therapy involves an assessment technique that explores how the problem affects the client's life. This approach emphasizes understanding the problem as a separate entity from the person, enabling clients to examine the impact it has on their lives and relationships. By mapping the problem, therapists facilitate discussions that reveal how the issue influences various aspects of the client's world, including their thoughts, emotions, and interactions with others.

This process helps clients to externalize the problem, allowing them to gain distance from it and view it more objectively. The goal of mapping the problem is to identify how the problem shapes the client's narrative and to empower them to re-author their experiences, moving towards a more preferred storyline that reflects their values and strengths. Through this exploration, clients can recognize patterns and begin to challenge and change the narrative surrounding the problem, fostering a sense of agency and hope.

While other options may incorporate important aspects of therapy, they do not capture the specific focus and methodology of mapping the problem in narrative therapy.