Question 2 In Unit 7: Explore The Basic Tenets Of Narratives

Question 2in Unit 7 We Will Explore The Basic Tenets Of Narrative The

In this discussion, we explore how narrative therapy can be applied to our understanding of ethnic identity and provide an example of addressing narratives within therapy across different ethnic backgrounds. Narrative therapy, developed by Michael White and David Epston, emphasizes that reality is socially constructed through language and storytelling, which influences how individuals perceive themselves and their identities (Freedman & Combs, 1996). The approach posits that identities, including ethnic identities, are formed through cultural narratives that are pervasive within societal discourses. These narratives shape individuals' understanding of their culture, heritage, and social roles, often reinforcing dominant cultural stories that may marginalize or distort personal or group identities.

Understanding ethnic identity through the lens of narrative therapy involves recognizing how societal narratives influence individuals' perceptions of their ethnicity and cultural belonging. For example, a person from a marginalized ethnic group might internalize stereotypes or negative narratives about their culture, which can impact their self-esteem and sense of worth. Narrative therapy aims to externalize these issues—viewing problematic narratives as separate from the individual—and help clients re-author their stories in ways that affirm their cultural identity and personal agency (González, Biever, & Gardner, 1994). This process involves deconstructing limiting narratives and fostering alternative stories that reflect the client's authentic cultural experiences and values.

For example, consider a person of Indigenous heritage who feels disconnected from their cultural roots due to historical and societal narratives that portray their culture negatively or as inferior. In therapy, the practitioner might explore the dominant narratives the individual has internalized, such as beliefs of cultural deficiency or shame. The therapist then collaborates with the client to identify and strengthen counter-narratives—stories of resilience, cultural pride, and personal connection to their heritage. This re-authoring process helps the client reconstruct a narrative of empowerment and cultural affirmation, which can improve their self-esteem and overall well-being.

In practice, addressing a narrative in therapy might involve storytelling, journaling, or creating metaphorical representations that highlight the client's strengths and positive cultural experiences. For example, a therapist might guide an Indigenous client to narrate stories of ancestors, cultural traditions, or personal achievements that reinforce their identity. Such storytelling enables clients to reframe their self-concept in light of empowering cultural narratives, ultimately supporting their journey toward greater self-understanding and cultural pride.

Overall, narrative therapy provides a valuable framework for understanding and strengthening ethnic identity by restructuring how individuals interpret their cultural stories. This approach recognizes the social and linguistic construction of identity, empowering clients to author their own narratives in ways that affirm and celebrate their ethnicity and cultural heritage, thus promoting psychological resilience and identity coherence.

References

• Freedman, J., & Combs, G. (1996). Narrative therapy: The social construction of preferred realities. W. W. Norton & Company.
• González, R. C., Biever, J. L., & Gardner, G. T. (1994). The multicultural perspective in therapy: A social constructionist approach. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 31(3), 515–524.
• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Mimbing the story: A narrative approach to therapy. Basic Books.
• Madigan, S. (2011). Narrative therapy. The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods. Sage Publications.
• Morgan, A. (2000). The range of narrative practices: Multiple expressive and restorative functions. In C. White & D. Epston (Eds.), The narrative therapy book. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Baird, J. A., & Sams, C. A. (2015). Exploring cultural narratives in therapy: Empowerment and identity. Cultural Psychology Review, 7(2), 115–131.
• Tjam, M. (2016). Re-authoring cultural identities: Narrative practices for multicultural therapy. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 44(4), 195–208.
• Sugar, V., & Wendt, S. (2019). The social construction of ethnicity and identity. Journal of Social Identity, 14(3), 211–226.
• White, M. (2007). Maps of narrative practice. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Elliott, D. (2001). Social constructionism and narrative therapy. International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work, 2001(4), 3–13.