As A Narrative Therapist, Discuss What You See In This Famil ✓ Solved

As a Narrative Therapist, discuss what you see in this family.

In the context of narrative therapy, John and Mary present a complex picture defined by varying parenting philosophies shaped by their cultural backgrounds and individual pasts. As therapists, we are tasked with understanding their unique narratives while maintaining cultural sensitivity and refraining from imposing personal biases. The concepts of listening with an open mind, externalization, and deconstruction are imperative in guiding this couple towards healthier communication and parenting approaches.

Listening with an Open Mind

Listening with an open mind is essential in narrative therapy. For John and Mary, the therapist must manage personal emotions, such as annoyance at their tardiness, to create a respectful therapeutic environment. John’s and Mary’s differing views on how to parent their middle son reflect deeply ingrained beliefs about masculinity and discipline. John’s stance of advocating for a tough approach stems from his upbringing in a rigid disciplinary environment that he views as a preparation for the harsh realities of life. This narrative is complemented by Mary’s more nurturing perspective, shaped by her feelings of vulnerability as a middle child who seeks to protect her sons from emotional pain (Corey, 2013).

For the therapist, it is crucial to engage with both partners' feelings and perspectives without judgment. Validating each parent's experiences allows for a constructive dialogue while facilitating an understanding of how these narratives inform their parenting. Mary’s desire to shield her children from emotional distress intersects unfortunately with John’s perception that emotional pain is a valuable teacher—illustrating the conflict rooted within their childhood influences (Evans, 2013).

Externalization of Problems

Externalization is a key therapeutic technique where problems are viewed as separate from the individuals involved. In this case, the issues arising from their differing child-rearing approaches can be externalized to identify how they manifest in their marital and parenting dynamics. The couple’s parenting styles often clash, which has led to significant tension regarding their son’s upbringing. John perceives Mary as overly protective, while Mary views John as excessively harsh, which can create a hostile home environment for the children.

By actively externalizing these conflicts, the therapist can help John and Mary understand that these issues are not insurmountable parts of their identity but rather, problems that can be reframed and resolved through collaboration. Asking open-ended questions about their experiences—such as the origins of their parenting beliefs—can lead to revelations about their historical influences and help deconstruct existing narratives about discipline and love (Corey, 2013).

Deconstruction of Parenting Narratives

Deconstruction is another vital component through which John and Mary can reevaluate their beliefs about parenting. The therapist can guide them in exploring the historical context of their parenting stories, including how societal and familial expectations shaped their understanding of discipline and masculinity. For instance, the narrative that “real men do not show vulnerability” may be a narrative John feels compelled to perpetuate, based on his father’s strict parenting style. This places undue pressure on not just John, but also on their children, increasing the likelihood of emotional distress in their family environment (Evans, 2013).

Furthermore, the therapist can help Mary articulate her fear of repetition and her desire to protect her children from emotional hardships—feelings rooted in her own childhood experiences. Gaining insight into these narratives allows John and Mary to recognize the potential consequences of their beliefs on their parenting and the emotional development of their sons. Deconstructing these narratives enables them to consider alternative storytelling techniques where empathy, understanding, and compromise can flourish.

Creating New Narratives

The ultimate goal of narrative therapy is to facilitate the development of new, positive narratives. This involves assisting John and Mary in constructing a shared understanding of what an ideal parenting approach could look like—one that balances structure with emotional support. Engaging them in conversations about their aspirations for their children, free from the restraints of their historical narratives, can help foster a more inclusive environment of nurturance and guidance. This new narrative framework can empower them as individuals and as co-parents, providing a flexible parenting style that honors both perspectives (Corey, 2013).

In conclusion, through the principles of narrative therapy, the therapist can effectively support John and Mary in deconstructing their narrative conflicts and externalizing their issues. By fostering open dialogue and introducing new frameworks for understanding parenting, they can work towards healthier outcomes for both their relationship and their family. Narrative therapy thus serves as an invaluable tool in uncovering the layers of familial influence that often dictate behavior and interactions.

References

• Corey, G. (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (Ninth ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
• Evans, K.M. (2013). Culturally alert counseling with African Americans. In G. McAuliffe & Associates (Ed.), Culturally alert counseling: A comprehensive introduction (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• McLeod, J. (1997). Narrative and Psychotherapy. London: Sage Publications.
• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. New York: Norton.
• Freeman, J., Epston, D., & Lobovits, D. (1997). Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy with Children and Their Families. New York: Norton.
• Madigan, S. (2011). Narrative Therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Payne, M. (2006). Narrative Therapy: An Introduction for Counsellors. London: Sage Publications.
• Morgan, A. (2000). What is Narrative Therapy? Adelaide, South Australia: Dulwich Centre Publications.
• Butler, J. (2004). Therapy and the Politics of Resistance. New York: Inquiry Press.
• Benson, D. J. (1997). The Ethics of Narrative Therapy. Journal of Counseling & Development, 75(4), 284-287.