Narrative Couples Therapy – How Effective It Is?

Couples therapy can be an effective way for partners to work through their issues and strengthen their relationship. One approach to couples therapy is narrative therapy, which focuses on helping couples reframe the stories they tell themselves about their relationship. By exploring these stories and finding new meanings in their experiences, couples can develop a deeper understanding of each other and build a stronger emotional connection. In this blog, we will explore the principles of narrative couples therapy and how it can be used to improve communication, increase intimacy, and strengthen relationships.

What Is Narrative Couples Therapy?

Narrative Couples Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the stories or narratives that couples construct about their relationship. It aims to help couples to identify and change the negative or destructive narratives they may have about each other, and to create new, more positive narratives that promote healing and growth in the relationship.

Narrative Couples Therapy was developed by Michael White and David Epston, who were influenced by postmodern and social constructionist theories. They believed that people’s perceptions of reality are shaped by the stories they tell themselves. Changing these stories can lead to changes in behavior and relationships.

How Does Narrative Therapy Work For Couples?

In Narrative Couples Therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with the couple to explore the narratives they have about their relationship. The therapist helps the couple to identify the dominant narratives, or themes, that are present in their relationship and how these narratives influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The therapist then helps the couple to create new, more positive narratives. It challenges negative narratives and promotes more positive interactions and behaviors. This process involves exploring the couple’s experiences, feelings, and values and creating a shared understanding of their relationship.

Techniques Of  Narrative Therapy For Couples

Here are some techniques commonly helpful in Narrative Therapy for couples:

1. Externalizing Problems: Externalizing problems helps couples to see their problems as something separate from themselves. This can help them to gain a new perspective on their relationship. The therapist may ask questions such as “When did the problem first show up in your relationship?” and “How does the problem impact your relationship?”.
2. Mapping Relationships: Mapping relationships helps couples to visualize their relationship and identify patterns in their interactions. The therapist may ask the couple to draw a map of their relationship. This includes the positive and negative interactions and the emotions associated with them.
3. Re-authoring: Re-authoring involves helping couples to create new, more positive narratives about their relationship. The therapist may encourage the couple to tell stories about their relationship that challenge negative beliefs or patterns.
4. Reflecting Team: The Reflecting Team technique involves inviting other therapists or team members to observe the therapy session and provide feedback to the couple. This can help couples to gain new insights into their relationship and provide a fresh perspective on their problems.
5. Unique Outcomes: Unique Outcomes focus on identifying and amplifying positive interactions between the couple. The therapist may ask questions such as “When was a time when you felt really connected to your partner?” or “What strengths do you bring to your relationship?”.
6. Scaling Questions: Scaling Questions are used to help couples to measure and track progress in their relationship. The therapist may ask questions such as “On a scale of 1 to 10, how connected do you feel to your partner?” or “How would you rate your communication with your partner?”.

These techniques are just a few examples of the many ways that Narrative Therapy can be used to help couples improve their relationship.

Benefits Of Narrative Therapy For Couples