Externalising the problem
The person is not the problem!
“The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem”. These words of Michael White have become well-known within the field of narrative therapy. In this chapter we will explore ways of externalising problems and the possibilities this brings.
An introduction to externalising the problem from Tileah
Story of practice: Externalising conversations
Tileah Drahm-Butler
Shame Mat
Aunty Dolly Hankin and Aunty Kerry Major
Externalising can be used with groups in creative ways. Aunty Dolly Hankin and Aunty Kerry Major in Mount Isa, for example, have created the Shame Mat!
Thwarting shame: Feminist engagement in narrative groupwork
Kylie Dowse
‘You can call me Sugar’
This is a story of ‘Sugar’ by Aunty Barbara Wingard. It’s a story about trying to find new ways of working, of trying different things and taking new steps.
Please find the article here: Introducing ‘Sugar’
(from the book Telling our stories in ways that make us stronger by Barbara Wingard and Jane Lester)
Talking about Grief
Aunty Barbara has also created a character of ‘Grief’ to assist people to grieve and honour.
Please find the article: Grief: Remember, reflect, reveal
(from the book Telling our stories in ways that make us stronger by Barbara Wingard and Jane Lester)
Lateral Violence
This is one of the most influential externalising conversations ‘scripts’. It was developed by Aunty Barbara to assist people to talk about Lateral Violence.
A conversation with Lateral Violence
Also included are documents about the special skills that Elders and young people from Woorabinda community are using to respond to Lateral Violence.
(from the book Aboriginal narrative practice: Honouring storylines of pride, strength & creativity by Barbara Wingard, Carolynanha Johnson & Tileah Drahm-Butler)
Aunty Barbara encourages you to give it a try!
Aunty Barbara Wingard, Carolyn Markey and Chris Dolman
This video is from a workshop with Aunty Barbara, Carolyn and Chris.
