What are the key elements in constructing a new life story with narrative therapy?

A clear sequence of events is key. It should have a beginning, middle, and end, just like a regular story. For instance, if you're telling the story of how you overcame an obstacle, you start with the situation, then the actions you took, and finally the outcome.

Identifying exceptions. Exceptions are those times when the problem doesn't have a hold on the client. If we find these exceptions, we can use them to start building the new story. For example, if someone usually has social anxiety but was relaxed at a particular gathering, that's an exception.

Another element is the exploration of alternative stories. Therapists guide clients to find and develop stories that have been overshadowed by the dominant problem - based story. Say a person has a story of being 'unlucky in career', the therapist will help them look for other aspects of their work life, like the skills they've developed or the positive relationships at work, to form an alternative, more positive story.

One way is through externalizing the problem. Instead of seeing the problem as an inherent part of the person, it is seen as something separate. For example, if a person has issues with self - confidence, rather than saying 'I am not confident', they can say 'The lack of confidence is trying to hold me back'. This helps in creating space for the new story. The new story can then be about how they are gradually overcoming this external 'lack of confidence' entity.

One way is through externalization. By separating the problem from the person, it allows the individual to view their life story in a new light. For example, instead of seeing oneself as a 'depressed person', one can see 'depression' as an external factor that has been influencing their life. This helps in constructing a new story where they are in control and not defined by the problem.

The key elements include having a clear theme. For example, if it's a love story, the theme of love should be central. Also, character development is crucial. Writers need to think about the personalities, goals, and flaws of their characters. And a basic plot structure, like the beginning, middle with rising action, and end with a resolution.

Using these worksheets for life story work allows you to explore your identity more deeply. You can see how different experiences have shaped who you are today. It also gives you a chance to reframe negative experiences in a more positive light, which can be very empowering. For example, if you had a difficult childhood, you can use the worksheets to focus on the strengths you developed as a result of that hardship.

One way is to use the worksheets as prompts. For example, they might have questions like 'What are the most significant events in your life?' By answering these, you start to form the building blocks of your life story. You can also use the worksheets to explore different themes in your life, such as relationships or personal growth.

Commitment to change. If a couple is really committed to making the relationship work in therapy, like a couple who decided to change their negative habits of always criticizing each other, they are more likely to have a success story. They started focusing on positive aspects and giving compliments, which transformed their relationship.

One way is by identifying dominant narratives that might be limiting. For example, if someone has always seen themselves as a 'failure' in their career, narrative therapy can help them find exceptions to this story. Maybe there were small successes they overlooked. By focusing on these exceptions, they can start to create a new narrative of themselves as someone with potential and ability in their career.