What does the term 'narrative therapy' refer to in existential practice?

The term 'narrative therapy' within the context of existential practice refers to the approach that involves helping clients re-author their life stories. This therapeutic modality emphasizes the idea that individuals construct their identities and meanings through the narratives they tell about themselves and their experiences. By engaging in narrative therapy, clients are guided to explore and reframe these stories, allowing them to gain new perspectives and insights into their lives. This process can foster empowerment, as individuals can identify strengths, values, and choices that may have been overshadowed or ignored in their previous narratives.

This approach is aligned with existential principles that prioritize personal agency and the search for meaning. It recognizes the impact of social and cultural contexts on personal narratives, encouraging clients to challenge dominant narratives that may have contributed to feelings of disempowerment or hopelessness. Overall, narrative therapy is a dynamic process that allows clients to reshape their understandings of themselves and their lives, promoting healing and personal growth.