Which of the following best describes the role of a therapist in Narrative Therapy?

In Narrative Therapy, the therapist's primary role is to facilitate a new understanding of the client's stories and experiences. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the significance of the narratives that individuals construct about their lives, encouraging clients to explore and reinterpret these narratives. By guiding clients in identifying and reconstructing their stories, therapists help them gain insights into their experiences, enabling them to see their situations from different perspectives. This process promotes empowerment, as clients re-author their identities and find meaning in their lives, leading to personal growth and transformation.

Facilitating a new understanding involves active listening, curiosity, and engaging with the client’s voice, allowing them to express their values and beliefs. This shift often helps clients differentiate themselves from their problems, ultimately fostering resilience and agency.

In contrast, direct solutions, analyzing family structures, or enforcing strict adherence to techniques do not align with the foundational principles of Narrative Therapy, which prioritizes collaboration, client empowerment, and the exploration of personal narratives over prescriptive approaches or rigid frameworks.