Narrative Therapy

In line with narrative therapy techniques, describe how the counselor externalized Helen’s problems. Why is externalization so important in this session? How effective is it with Helen?

Externalization puts the problem into a different perspective in such a way that the client is not seen as the problem. Thus, the person is not the problem but the problem is the problem. Externalizing problems takes a cultural and social perspective on the situation and the person is able to see how culture has shaped his or her life. Externalizing the problem enables the client and the counselor to shift blame to the problem and focus on solving it and this puts less responsibility of the client. The language used during narrative therapy is very important. In the case of Helen, the counselor has used the concept of Nagging Dissatisfaction to externalize Helen’s problem.

For instance, he describes Nagging Dissatisfaction as having trapped her and therefore restricting her movements. In the counseling session, Helen described how she had feelings of anger that often caused her to scream to her children. In the follow up letter that the counselor writes to Helen, he blames Nagging Dissatisfaction for pushing Helen to “the point where you feel out of control and behave toward your children in ways that don’t reflect what you love most about being a mother.” While Helen might be scared about the future of her children, the counselor says that he is impressed that the client’s dedication has prevented Nagging Dissatisfaction from scaring her and telling her lies that will intimidate and confuse her further. Helen mentions the three sensitive areas in her life that cause her dissatisfaction. She describes the fact that she was not seen in her family as she was growing up, her marriage was not life giving and it did not fulfill her and she thought that she was supposed to be happy because her mother was happy. The counselor chooses to blame Nagging Dissatisfaction and the society for this instead of blaming his client.

Externalization is helpful because through it, Helen found a way to open up to the counselor. While she was tense in the beginning and she could not reveal much information, externalizing seemed to make her realize that she might not have been to blame for all that was happening in her life. She began talking about her family and especially her children with newfound confidence.

Student Response: Kevin Canfield

I agree with Kevin’s response that it is important for Jim to follow up on Helen and ask her of any development since their last session. It is also important to check whether the past has influenced any decisions she has made. However, Kevin seems to have forgotten the concept of externalization. Jim might not ask her if she is willing to abandon her lies and the negative attitude. According to Jim, Helen is not responsible for these negative attitudes. He has instead chosen to blame Nagging Dissatisfaction for the problems in life, so he will ask Helen how she will deal with the lies and the negative attitudes caused by Nagging Dissatisfaction.

Student Response: Melva Hartzog

I agree with Melva’s perspective on externalization. She brings in the aspect of how people let their problems define them. It was important for Helen to realize that the problems she was facing did not have to define her as a person. She had to separate herself from her problems since the problems did not give her an identity. Her story changed after the counselor personalized Nagging Dissatisfaction and externalized it as the cause of her problems. Dealing with Nagging Dissatisfaction allowed Helen to realize the power that it held over her. She was able to control herself and she realized the power that was within her.

References:

LibertyUniversity. Case Study: Jims Letter to Helen. Retrieved from http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1126548_

LibertyUniversity. Presentation: Narrative Therapy Session. Retrieved from http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1126548_