When is Narrative Therapy Used?

Narrative therapy training is used to treat emotional disorders and conditions. It is helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It helps them find their voice and use it to make positive changes in their own lives. Family narrative therapy, narrative group therapy, and narrative couples therapy are available.

What to Expect in Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy often begins with the therapist asking you to provide reasons you are seeking treatment. They will want to know your issues, how they affect your life and your narrative therapy goals. This will be the first step in sharing your story. 

After the therapist understands your situation, they will set an outline for what treatment will entail and how many sessions are needed. 

Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by feelings of stress and fear that may have little or no underlying cause. Narrative therapy helps a person self-actualize their emotions to reduce irrational fears.

Attachment Issues

Attachment issues involve feelings of anxiety when a person is away from a particular place or person. Narrative approach therapy provides a person with the self-confidence they need to find strength in themselves.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

People with ADHD struggle to focus on everyday tasks. Narrative therapy has been shown to have a significant effect on reducing symptoms.1

Depression

A depression disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness. Narrative therapy has been shown to yield a 53% improvement in 47 study participants that were treated.2

Eating Disorders

Narrative therapy is particularly effective for anorexia nervosa. It works to externalize and explore the eating disorder and aims to develop a healthier way of coping with negative feelings.3

Grief

People suffering from grief may benefit from narrative therapy exercises. It helps empower them in rewriting their story, it allows them to distance themselves from grief without complete avoidance and encourages them to retake control of their lives.4

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Narrative techniques have been beneficial in patients with PTSD. Narrative therapy for PTSD helps them distance themselves from their trauma while reducing associated symptoms of depression.

Concerns/Limitations of Narrative Therapy

While narrative therapy has many strengths, it comes with its share of concerns and limitations. Here are some to consider:

Little Scientific Proof of Effectiveness

Benefits of narrative therapy have often been challenged because there is little scientific proof to back its effectiveness. Some experts also critique that it assumes that there are no absolute truths in life.

It’s Not for Everyone

Narrative therapy counseling may not be recommended for people dealing with trauma that limits their intellectual, cognitive, or language skills. 

How Effective is Narrative Therapy?

Although narrative therapy effectiveness has been challenged, it has shown to be beneficial in the following studies: 

Opportunity for Narrative Therapy at Anew Treatment Center

Many facilities offer narrative therapy intervention, but it’s essential to find one right for you. You must consider the environment, the staff, and the quality of treatment. After doing some research, you will find that Anew Treatment Center checks off all the boxes. 

Anew Treatment Center takes a customized approach ensuring each of our patients gets the personalized care they need. We provide a relaxing environment and top-notch staff. We offer treatment for a wide variety of mental issues. 

Mental disorders are not easy to deal with. Anew Treatment Center can help you make it through. Contact us for the comprehensive care you need to improve your quality of life. 

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