Narrative approach · Externalization
Externalizing the problem in therapy
Sometimes certain problems occupy us for so long, or so deeply, that they stick to our skin and end up becoming part of our identity.
In narrative therapies, there is a main working axis that helps free people from the problems that occupy them: it is called externalizing the problem.
Sources and further reading
Les moyens narratifs au service de la thérapie, Michael White and David Epston
Cartes des pratiques narratives, Michael White
La thérapie narrative. Cultiver les récits pour dignifier l’existence, Charlie Crettenand and Rodolphe Soulignac
Le grand manuel d’approche narrative. Des récits de soi tissés d’espoir et de dignité, Catherine Mengelle
Petite bibliothèque de l’approche narrative, edited by Catherine Vérilhac
Les pratiques de l’approche narrative. Des récits multicolores pour des vies renouvelées, Pierre Blanc-Sahnoun
The website of the Fédération francophone des pratiques narratives and Charlie Crettenand’s site usefully extend the discovery.
And to see concretely how externalization is worked with, the full episode — in French — is below.
How to cite this article
Besse, J. (2022, November 20). Externalizing the problem in therapy. Complexe Systémique. https://app.complexe-systemique.com/en_GB/articles/externalizing-the-problem-in-therapy
To go further
- Narrative therapiesThe Australian current that renewed the way therapy is conceived.
- Official statement of the Great Secret Organization of ProblemsAn imaginary communiqué from the problems themselves — a life-size externalization exercise.
- The art of asking narrative questionsHow to craft those questions that open up alternative stories.
- The identity tattoo: a deeply moving narrative techniqueA moving narrative technique built around tattooing, in Charlie Crettenand's luminous approach.
Related training courses
Webinar
Extramarital affairs: what does the therapist do when the couple explodes?
Free webinar: how to position yourself as a systemic therapist in the crisis of the extramarital affair. Revelation, secrecy, multipartiality.
Short course
The suicidal crisis in adolescents and young adults
Training: assessing and supporting the suicidal crisis in adolescents and young adults. Clinical landmarks and systemic tools. In French.
Online course
Master the art of narrative therapy: a unique journey with Charlie Crettenand
Immersive online course: discover the narrative approach with Charlie Crettenand. A unique audiovisual journey, lifetime access, exercises. In French.
Comments 0
Log in to join the discussion. Log in