One way is by identifying dominant narratives that might be limiting. For example, if someone has always seen themselves as a 'failure' in their career, narrative therapy can help them find exceptions to this story. Maybe there were small successes they overlooked. By focusing on these exceptions, they can start to create a new narrative of themselves as someone with potential and ability in their career.
Another approach is through the use of 'thickening' the story. Often, our life stories are very thin in terms of positive aspects. Narrative therapy encourages us to explore in detail the positive events, relationships, and experiences in our lives. For instance, if a person had a positive relationship with a teacher in school, they can explore all the aspects of that relationship - what the teacher said, how it made them feel, how it influenced their view of themselves. By thickening these positive parts of the story, they can change the overall narrative of their life from a negative or mediocre one to a more positive and fulfilling one.
One way is to use the worksheets as prompts. For example, they might have questions like 'What are the most significant events in your life?' By answering these, you start to form the building blocks of your life story. You can also use the worksheets to explore different themes in your life, such as relationships or personal growth.
One way is through externalization. By separating the problem from the person, it allows the individual to view their life story in a new light. For example, instead of seeing oneself as a 'depressed person', one can see 'depression' as an external factor that has been influencing their life. This helps in constructing a new story where they are in control and not defined by the problem.
One way is through externalizing the problem. Instead of seeing the problem as an inherent part of the person, it is seen as something separate. For example, if a person has issues with self - confidence, rather than saying 'I am not confident', they can say 'The lack of confidence is trying to hold me back'. This helps in creating space for the new story. The new story can then be about how they are gradually overcoming this external 'lack of confidence' entity.
It can be used as a tool for self - discovery. The story can prompt patients to think about their own experiences, and coloring can be a way to externalize those thoughts and feelings. It can also help with anxiety. Focusing on the story and the coloring can distract from anxious thoughts.
Using these worksheets for life story work allows you to explore your identity more deeply. You can see how different experiences have shaped who you are today. It also gives you a chance to reframe negative experiences in a more positive light, which can be very empowering. For example, if you had a difficult childhood, you can use the worksheets to focus on the strengths you developed as a result of that hardship.
Another important element is the identification of unique outcomes. These are moments in a person's life that go against the dominant negative narrative. For example, if someone believes they are always unlucky in love but had one relationship that was positive in some ways, that is a unique outcome. Focusing on such unique outcomes allows for the construction of a new, more positive life story.
They can also be used for comprehension exercises. The therapist can ask questions about the story. For instance, 'What was the main character's motivation?' This improves language understanding and the ability to form responses. Moreover, by retelling the story in their own words, patients can enhance their narrative skills.
One way is to engage the patient's attention. Funny stories are more likely to hold their focus compared to dull materials. For example, a story about a talking animal with a speech impediment can make the patient feel more at ease and interested in the therapy process.
One way is by conducting in - depth research on narrative and life story topics. For example, if you study how different generations tell their life stories, you can write up your findings. Another way is to analyze existing life stories from a new perspective, like using a different theoretical framework. Then submit your well - written paper for consideration.
The 'the angry monster in me social story' is very useful in therapy. First, it creates a relatable image of anger for patients. They can visualize their anger as this 'monster' and it becomes less abstract. Therapists can use it to open up conversations about the root causes of anger. For instance, if the story shows the 'monster' getting angry due to feeling ignored, patients can reflect on if they have similar feelings. Also, it provides practical solutions for managing anger, which can be practiced during therapy sessions and in real - life situations to improve emotional well - being.