Histories
In this article Cheryl White explores a history between co-founders of narrative practice Michael White and David Epston. This history features a spirit of adventure, a particular quality of partnership and a way of collaborating that influenced the development of narrative practice
Where did it all begin? | Cheryl White
Picture: Michael White & David Epston
Michael White was one of the co-founders and co-directors of Dulwich Centre and worked here from the day it opened in 1983 until his death in 2008. This extract aims to assist you in gaining a sense of the processes Michael White engaged in originating narrative practices and we invite you to consider how some of his legacies might be significant to you and your future practice.
Legacies of Michael White | David Denborough
David Epston, co-founder of narrative therapy, is widely respected for his innovative and creative work.He has introduced to the field of family therapy a range of alternative approaches including the use of leagues, archives and co-research.David lives in Auckland, New Zealand, where this conversation took place. Here in this small extract we learn about the term co-research, which he coined in the late 1970’s.
Anthropology, archives, co-research and narrative therapy | an interview with David Epston
For David Epston’s website you can visit: Narrative Approaches
In this extract we read about co-founder Michael White’s thoughts on the range of influences he drew on in the development of narrative practices
As mentioned in the readings above, Aboriginal Australian practitioners have significantly influenced the development of narrative practices. Aunty Barabara Wingard describes narrative practice as “Telling our stories in ways that make us stronger”. She also speaks about ways of listening “to people’s stories to put them more in touch with their own healing ways”. You can read more about her work here:
Aunty Barbara Wingard | Telling our Stories in ways that make us Stronger
“And what of solidarity? I am thinking of a solidarity that is constructed by therapists who refuse to draw a sharp distinction between their lives and the lives of others, who refuse to marginalize those persons who seek help, by therapists who are constantly confronting the fact that if faced with the circumstances such that provide the context of troubles of others, they just might not be doing nearly as well themselves”
– Michael White
One of the important ideas that informed narrative practices from very early on was this sense of ‘solidarity’. Here is a small excerpt from the epilogue of the book ‘Continuing the Conversations’ that illustrates how this influenced Michael White’s practice.
Continuing the Conversations | Cheryl White
For reflection…
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you? Why do you think these things stood out to you? What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
Please now share your thoughts & reflections below and then continue to the next chapter! Please include where you are writing from (City and Country). Thanks!
Paulina López
November 30, 2023My favorite stories are the one of Sam and Michel and the idea of speaking about grief in a way that is consistent with our culture,
I’m mexican, and as a mexican we celebrate dead, we laugh and cry with it, and not trains to ignore the ones that are not longer with us, celebrating that we shared time with them rather than the lost sometimes is comforting. It’s something I will use more from now on.
And in the story of Michael and Sam, the thing that I liked most is that he saw Sam as someone that could help him, not just as an ill person.
daron.askin
November 16, 2023I really appreciated the short quote on solidarity from Michael. It is an often quoted idea that the difference between us as helpers and the people we seek to help is not so great. However, reading it on this page has made it really strike home with me. I liked the connection between it and the other elements on the page such as the rich energy and ideas that came from the relationship between David and Michael. I appreciated the mention of irreverence too – I think it is always valuable not to take ourselves too seriously especially working with teenagers! In terms of how I take these things forward – I think they all allow a useful connection to curiosity, collaboration and belief in the power of relationships.
ricmathews.lmhc
November 1, 2023Ethnographic imagination and the concept of “informed not knowing” resonated very strongly with me. It gave a new language to a way I currently approach my work as a psychotherapist. I often find myself grappling with conflicts around how or when to apply suitable interventions based on different theoretical orientations that hold the therapist as the expert. Even within my own clinical supervision, I am at times at odds with interpreting the patient’s stories that even slightly transfer power to my voice whereby they no longer are the expert of themselves or their lives. It was helpful for me to be reminded of how important and powerful it can be to “seek the versions of how [people] go about living their lives,” over the meanings and projections I derive on my own.
Jocilyn Csernyik
September 24, 2023Jocilyn
I thought Barbara Wingard’s idea of ‘talking with grief’ is really powerful. Not only does this strategy help the individual to process their feelings, but they are also externalizing their grief, allowing them to reauthor how they move forward in their story with navigating grief. I think this is a particularly powerful tool, as so many of us experience grief as a result of so many different things; loss of a loved one, broken relationships, unresolved traumas, etc. I think grief is much more prevalent in our every-day emotions than we acknowledge, and the technique of externalizing grief can help to address these feelings, denounce the idea that we are powerless to our emotions, and reclaim the story we tell about our lives. I will definitely draw upon Wingard’s ideas within my practice, and I also was struck by the conversation between White and Sam, where we see the power dynamic being challenged between the therapist and client; White essentially ‘leveled the playing field’ to help strengthen the therapeutic alliance. I love White’s humility with Sam, and I think humbling ourselves as professionals in the eyes of our clients is necessary to a collaborative relationship. Both people hold knowledge and can contribute to the conversation (similar to Freire’s idea of ‘banking’, the therapist is not the teacher depositing wisdom and knowledge into the mind of the client who is absent of knowledge and has nothing to contribute except an open mind.)
Tye
September 1, 2023It moved me considerably to read Aunty Barbara Wingard’s words. When she said ” Silent cry’s can go on for years and be heard by no one. They can eat way at a person’s spirit”, I was reminded of the important teachers Elders in my Community (Canada) have taught about the importance of assisting people to be in their spirit. By this, I believe they meant of assisting people to uncover their stories, histories, particular gifts that problem stories seem to be covering. I really enjoyed this reading, thanks for having it on here- I wonder if more could be done to share the work of Aboriginal or Indigenous practitioners, to give create to Indigenous ways of Knowing that so much of Narrative Therapy is based in to this online course?
Dulwich Centre
September 1, 2023Hi Tye,
Thanks for your comment. You might be interested in:
https://dulwichcentre.com.au/courses/aboriginal-narrative-practice-course/
https://dulwichcentre.com.au/product/yarning-with-a-purpose-first-nations-narrative-practice/
https://dulwichcentre.com.au/product/telling-our-stories-in-ways-that-make-us-stronger-barbara-wingard-jane-lester/
https://dulwichcentre.com.au/product/aboriginal-narrative-practice-honouring-storylines-of-pride-strength-and-creativity-barbara-wingard-carolynanha-johnson-and-tileah-drahm-butler/
Warmly,
dd
Claire Nulsen
August 22, 2023Hi All, I’m currently living in Youghal, Ireland but I’m originally from Perth; I really enjoyed reading about the non-competitive collaboration between Michael White and David Epston. I found the idea of being a co-researcher with clients as a great way to describe the process of centering the client as the expert in their stories while as the therapist I come to the relationship with some methods that may be helpful but I am not positioned as the expert in the relationship. I
andrewkilgour
August 16, 2023Andrew from Newcastle,
I really connected to the way narrative practice came to be and the nature in which both Michael, David and others came together from a place of complete respect for the people they were consulting with the belief that everyone had something to offer. The fact they saw themselves as joint researchers with the people they consulted showed equity and inclusion which is often over looked when working within big systems and defined professions that are often built on a hierarchical structure. One of the ideas that resonated with me was the keeping of archives of the knowledge of everyone’s experiences who they consulted, to not only help others by sharing common themes but also to show the benefit or power of one person’s story on others. The young people I work with often don’t see this connection and would be so proud of themselves if they could see how others could benefit from their story. I will definitely look to take this with me into the way I engage and support young people in my setting. The last thing that spoke to me was the comment made around the unique ideas that individuals and families come up with to address the issue if they are asked the right questions. Often when supporting people you feel like you have to come up with the solution or prompt the individual to come up with a solution to a complex problem so it was refreshing to hear how this approach is focused on supporting the people closest to the issue to create unique alternative stories.
Oltman Weeber
August 7, 2023Hi,
Oltman from Melbourne Australia, working as a recovery coach.
Co-research is a term coined by David Epston. I like the way he describe it as being informed by a particular type of inquiry that is shaped by an ethnographic imagination. I had to google the meaning and I liked this definition. “Ethnography is a type of qualitative research that involves immersing yourself in a particular community or organisation to observe their behaviour and interactions up close” (Caulfield, 2023). The co-research approach is a partnership, that is equal power, with the idea to bring up knowledge around the problem and to change their relationship with the problem. Equal power will be a foundation to open, honest and authentic communication.
References
J. Caulfield, (2023), What Is Ethnography? “https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/ethnography/”
Sonya
August 2, 2023Kia ora,
My name is Sony and I am from Kerikeri, New Zealand. I also found Michael’s conversation with Sam interesting. Mainly because of the way it shifted the power-relationship between Michael and Sam. I have noticed in my own work with clients that people are very quick to hand over their ‘power’ to me and I find myself spending a bit of time trying to give it back to them. So I resonated with Michael here on his style of conversation.
Nancy Bell
July 19, 2023Hello, Nancy here from Brisbane, Australia. This posting has really resonated for me both personally and professionally. When I’m working with elderly clients, history is the absolute ‘go to’ as one of the best conversation starters. Older people have such a wealth of experience and ideas to share, and history offers a space to really begin the ‘getting to know you journey.’ A great platform to work from.
Barb Wingard and Jane Lester’s writing reacquaints with the sadness and grief associated with the Indigenous experience in Australia, but also provides a catalyst for thinking about non Indigenous ways of dealing with grief and loss and how inadequate they often are. As a non Indigenous person I know that I carry the influence of past family members in my life, however there is little appetite within non Indigenous culture to recognise the value of this. I am not encouraged to speak of relationships past that bring sadness to mind, so those thoughts and feelings are largely unbidden. Carrying the spirits of lost loved ones with us always, informing our lives forward is such a beautiful way of acknowledging the circle of life for us all. This narrative response seems a gentle and natural way to move forward. Thank you again. Nancy Bell.
Elena Brieño
July 9, 2023Elena from Cd. Juarez, Mexico
This lesson fascinated me, I recognized the context of some concepts and how the relationship between Epston and White contributed to the construction of intervention strategies for narrative practice.
Acknowledging our histories gives us power over our present histories.
jiahuanhe.psy
June 22, 2023Understanding the backgrounds of the pioneers of narrative therapy has fostered a stronger connection to the practice. It’s inspiring to get to know the character and ideas of Michael White, especially his capacity to perceive people with severe mental illness as individuals who share a shared human experience. I also enjoyed reading about his friendship with David Epston, as it encompasses elements of genuine inquisitiveness for knowledge and a profound dedication to their shared professional endeavors.
rmgarland
June 6, 2023Hi, Megan from Hamilton, Victoria, Australia, here. As above, I also appreciated the conversation between Michael and Sam. In addition to being a counsellor, I’m also a minister. In the latter setting, it is much more normal for me to be friends with the people I care for, and so in that setting, it is more acceptable for me to receive their care as well as to give it, as we share the ups and downs of each others’ lives, than it is in the counselling setting. However, in reading this story, it makes me realise that without over-doing self-disclosure, I can definitely include my own vulnerability, as well as value the competency and collaboration of my clients. I believe I already do this to some extent, but it is good to have this picture in my mind going forward :)
dyc123
May 31, 2023Good day, from Toronto, Canada. As a student counsellor, I resonate with M. White’s declarations about the importance of client feedback in research. I was touched by his views on authenticity in the role of therapists by understanding that there should be no definitive line drawn between therapist and client concerning lived experiences/narratives. It takes courage to be willing to be less formal as a professional and show our human side; our engagement, interest, curiosity, respect, and acknowledgment. Thus, the client remains the author of their own narrative.
Barbara Wingard’s views on the approach to grieving of the Indigenous peoples inspires me to less apprehensive about engaging in this process, because grieving can be a life-long experience, and approaching grief as a way of honouring the departed, and continuing their legacies by remembering and keeping key attributes of each person in our memories expressed in art, music, or other forms of acknowledgment, strengthens the community. This really speaks to me because I live in a relatively individualistic environment, and I seek a more collective community spirit and advocacy within the social system.
I will take these experiences shared by these pioneers in Narrative approaches and integrate them into my own practice.
rachel.crowe
July 3, 2023I love the extension of White’s idea of ‘solidarity’, that refusal to draw a sharp distinction between the experience of the therapist and client, as a consequence the client remains the author of their own narrative. In my initial reading I loosely made that connection, but your comment worded it so succinctly it really helped to wrap my head around this concept being an integral part of narrative practice. Thank you!
Lisa Michaels
May 26, 2023Lisa Michaels, writing from Northern California. I was so moved by the exciting friendship between Epston and White and the way they greeted each other: What are you doing differently? What are you reading? This kind of collaboration between two deeply curious people seems rare and inspiring. I was struck by the idea of treating clients as equals and co-researchers of the problem. I hope to use some of their questions in my own work as a writing coach: What should we do now? What am I doing that’s helping?
Isaac Gallaway
May 26, 2023Isaac Gallaway from Yakima, Washington, USA.
There are two things that I strongly connected with during the reading of articles which was “Informed Not Knowing” by David Epston as well as the idea displayed in Michael’s interactions with Sam that every person has something to contribute – regardless of social standing. I am a strong advocate that there is wisdom everywhere for those willing to listen. It is also worth mentioning the great value that Aunty Barbara brings to the table with her story on how to grieve within cultural context.
All of these highlights remind me that life is a beautiful and sacred thing – a beautiful tapestry weaved with dark and light colors. Each of our lives is a thread in that tapestry that adds to the grandeur. To disregard someone because of their ethnicity, their gender, their way of processing life is to disregard the fabric of life. One thread is not more important than another, and yet we find ourselves all in knots over trivial things.
Moving into the future, I want to be able to encourage people to be themselves – to take them “As-Is”. I want to get better at listening and being curious about other peoples, cultures, and approaches. I want to be able to listen to histories and acknowledge that the things that happened behind play out into the present, but we have a hand in shaping the future. To quote Pete Scazzero, “You must look back in order to move forward”. I want to be a tender shepherd of creating a hospitable community that welcomes everyone regardless of their past, their ideologies, or their quirks. I look forward to what is to come.
ahunt
May 22, 2023Hi, I’m Alison from Toronto, Canada. What really resonated for me in this chapter was the concept of the sense of solidarity with the client. I do this a lot in my work which is mostly DBT informed. In DBT, therapists are like guides how help along the way but that see the client as the expert of their own lives and it is up to them to figure out how to make their lives they way they want it to be. I find this approach equalizes the relationship between the therapist and the client more than in most modalities and it seems that this is similar in Narrative Therapy that there is a collegial nature to the relationship also. I think that. I also liked this concept of informed not knowing and the curiosity needed to begin to understand another person’s story. This reminds me of a former client named Jodi. Everyone on the team had difficulty working with her and she was quite emotionally reactive. But for some reason, I didn’t have any trouble connecting with her and understanding her. I realized that she had a particular way of speaking that was unique and most did not take the name to learn of her idiosyncratic ways of communicating. But for some reason, I picked up on it and coined it “Jodi-speak”. I was able to connect with her and translate for other staff so that others could start to learn her specific ways of speaking. I think some of what I was doing way back there was Narrative Therapy and Ethnographic imagination to learn about her.
mcosta_01
April 7, 2023Meg from Philadelphia, PA- USA
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you? Why do you think these things stood out to you?
As someone who has been through their own mental health journey, I find the idea of solidarity very appealing. I believe solidarity is something I already practice in my own work as a mental health technician. Sometimes solidarity involves self-disclosure, a concept that more traditional, formal therapists tend to shy away from. I would never self-disclose for my own benefit, rather I do it to gain the trust of patients who I am working with in a very intense, inpatient setting. They usually lighten up when they realize the person running their therapy groups and having 1:1 conversations with has had their own experience coping with mental illness. The idea that therapists have to be “blank-slates” or “the experts” feels like it comes from white supremacist culture.
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
I would like to take with me the idea that narrative therapy is about preserving a sense of adventure. I got into this field for many reasons, but one of them was that I feel like I will never be bored of this work. I get to be curious everyday about other people’s stories, and I get to help them tell those stories. To me, that is adventure.
Lynn
March 30, 2023I am impressed by brave Michael White and David Epston are in the 1980s. In contrast to traditional forms of therapy, which may view the therapist as an expert who is responsible for diagnosing, interpreting and treating the client’s problems, Michael White and David Epston emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting the client’s unique perspective and experiences, they seek to empower the client by recognizing and building on their strengths and abilities.
Olena
March 23, 2023It was an interesting chapter for me. The history of cooperation in between Michael and David, in result of which the narrative therapy appeared into this world is amazing.
It gives an idea, that it’s really good to have some companion, colleague, soulmate on the same wave, and it can be so productive and beneficial for both and for community as well. I think it stands out for me because I also have a colleague of mine with whom we discuss the cases and share ideas and test them, and both of us appreciate it.
For my future practice, the story about Michael and Sam can be useful. It’s a very bright demonstration of how to establish relationship, cooperation and to show the person that you are equal.
susan fagerland
March 12, 2023Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia.
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you?
Empowering the person who is being seen by the practitioner, allowing each of them to find their value of who they are is important, and that they all have individual needs, how well each of the stories expand the person’s innate knowledge of what they need, both Aunty Barb and Michael held the space for the person to empower them.
Why do you think these things stood out to you?
I feel each person knows what they need, but if they are told how to be and what to do, they begin to feel a shell of themselves. As the saying goes if you judge a fish by how it can climb a tree it will always feel worthless, but allowing each individual to decide what is best for them helps their soul to be nourished, and then they can feel worthy.
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
Theories are always evolving, each practitioner will add their personality to the theory, which will come across differently, and each client may need something different from the practitioner and it is up to the practitioner to adapt and grow with the client.
Chereen Moreau
March 3, 2023Kia ora koutou (Hello everyone),
Writing to you from Tamaki Mākaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). I appreciate the sharing of the history of this work. There is so much from the history of this practice that can benefit future work.
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you?
Looking at the history of this work has me intrigued in how narrative therapy is a political work.
Why do you think these things stood out to you?
The politics of life, culturue and history all contribute to the stories we all carry about ourselves and others.
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
I will be carrying with me this quote from the extract, Legacies of Michael White – An Extract from David Deneborough:
“To my mind, Michael has bequeathed not only a profound body of work, but also a particular spirit of originating: one characterized by rigor, determination, collaboration and partnership. Hopefully, alongside Michael’s ideas, this legacy of an originating spirit will also be taken up by future generations.”
The legacy of an originating spirit is something I will be taking up in my own practice.
jennyheraghty
February 19, 2023Hi, I’m Jenny writing from Mareeba, FNQ.
I love the mateship between Michael White and David Epson and they way they went about their exploration of what enhanced their practice and helped families and individuals, and how this was an adventure for them in a rapidly changing world.
The story of Michael and Sam, where the professional asks the advice of the “patient” as an expert in certain situations of life. It demonstrates that we are all in this together and we all have knowledge and strengths and that we can all ask for help of one another. I particularly liked David Epson’s knowledge of the importance of asking questions using “ethnographic imagination” with an “informed not knowing” to illicit the other person’s own version of how to live their own life. I would like to be skilled at doing this.
Regards
Jenny
Jane Ward
January 23, 2023Jane from Adelaide on Kaurna land, South Australia.
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued me? I like the accounts revealing how Michael and David demonstrated time and again their success is based firmly on the principles of collaboration, solidarity and equality between the person(s) seeking therapy and the consultant.
Why do you think these things stood out to you? It’s for the same reason people such as Jacinda Ardern stand out: when a person in a position of potential power over others chooses to lead with collaboration and solidarity, they are choosing to buck the trend. It shows genuine intent to work together to achieve a goal.
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way? I want to hold on to the knowledge that showing genuine curiosity and applying ‘informed not knowing’ are truly strong and critical elements of the therapy process.
Gill Kenny
January 10, 2023Still hot here in Perth! I wish I’d had a chance to meet Michael White. He had a wonderful mind. What I have taken away from this chapter is quite simple really – to treat people with the respect they deserve and to acknowledge that I don’t actually know what it’s like to be them, nor will I ever. To be authentic while practicing with integrity and respect in a therapeutic setting is key to ensuring that the client feels it’s OK to be themselves and to share openly how they go about living their lives. Thanks again for this inspiring material.
Kirsty
January 4, 2023I am intrigued by the story of the pants and the pin. It resonates with me like a fable.
I can relate to the change of power dynamic, the ebb and flow – like when I am visiting someone and they help me out with a glass of water or a cup of tea, lend me a pen – all these things make us all the more human and take the pressure off us all.
Also, remembering that I don’t have to go into a “session” knowing all there is in the notes about someone. Actually sometimes it might be better to go into a session curious to hear the person’s story their own way?
Bec Acuto
December 23, 2022Hi everyone, I am writing from Melbourne, Australia, on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you?
I really loved the exploration of Michael and David’s friendship, and the genuine drive to originate new ideas together and co-researching with families. The passion for evolving practice and raising each other up, a true demonstration of focus on the bigger picture and not individual success.
Why do you think these things stood out to you?
I think this stood out to me as so many people in professions are trying to be ‘recognised’ – be the one who is lead author, be the one who is known to be the expert etc. This demonstrates a different approach, one that resonates more with my own values
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
The main thing for me is to read more, to take time out and read and write down what i am learning, ideas and exploration and evolution of my own practice
kanoyes
December 11, 2022Karl, Prior Lake, Minnesota, USA
In Denborough’s essay he talked about people coming from different practices and backgrounds in counseling thought and particular “differences can be generative.” This sentiment can be applied a number of different ways. Perhaps it could be as harmless as using spices from different kinds of food. Maybe fennel seed and walnuts taste good together in a savory dish. Or it could be using the differences between regional placement, rural and urban differences and rather than seeing them as limitations or dead end barriers seeing them as ways to connect. I often think about hoe powered and moneyed elements in the USA use differences to divides people and thus divide votes and split territories. In the very least confusion dulls people into inaction. I think White’s default mode of though and perhaps a foundational notion in narrative therapy would be to lean on embracing people and things that we do not understand. Then I think about how curiosity and fear seem to be on ends of a seesaw. The more fearful a person is, perhaps the less curious and more defensive they are. Curiosity at its heart requires an openness to understanding. Are we open to hearing something that could require us to change? And if we are not open to changing, why not? These types of questions help to lay another understanding down that can be placed along side the pre-existing understanding. This gradually being able to lay down different tracks and step between them and onto different ones to gain perspectives is something I wish to incorporate into my practice.
jtaylor089
December 6, 2022I like this line that I seen from one of the aforementioned links above and it really stood out to me and encapsulates narrative practise, through asking questions and providing an alternative lens and story of an individuals life experience and perspective.
“Every time we ask a question, we’re generating a possible version of a life.” — D. Epston
These type of things stand out to me because I am enjoying trying to understand the story/ narrative expressed of someone about their own life and then relate that to my life, where I felt was at times negative, tough, regretful, or missed opportunity – others see it as an amazing set of life experiences that I have had – it’s fascinating and I can relate to it.
It’s this understanding and awareness that I wish to bring to my own practise to help other reframe their thoughts and move forward positively in their life with an appreciation and satisfaction for themselves.
Samantha Hawke
November 17, 2022Toronto, Canada
I was really interested by the article, “Legacies of Michael White| An extract from David Denborough” in this unit. More specifically, I was fascinated by the authors and philosophers the article revealed as White’s sources of inspiration throughout his innovative therapeutic practice. This article felt like a pivotal moment in my work and future practice in Narrative Therapy as I have always been drawn to Narrative Therapy but was waiting for the moment it clicked inside of me. Reading about White’s interest in Foucault as the framework that helped him understand systems of power and oppression and privileged discourses brought forth clarity within myself and understanding as to why I align with this therapeutic approach. I spent years in my undergrad degree extensively reading Foucault with specific focus on how gender and sexuality are embedded within state policies and how those state policies act as agents of bio politics. Being able to practice a therapeutic modality that uses this framework deeply resonates with me as this is how I understand the dominant societal norms that influence and impact all of us and all of our fluid identities. This is the history and body of knowledge I will bring to my future practice as it informs my understanding of ideas of: normal vs abnormal, good vs bad, strong vs weak, able vs disable, moral vs immoral and so on. These are the contexts I will use to help externalize the problem.
lisa.jordan2020
November 11, 2022The spirit of adventure resonates with me, the eternal curiosity. I also enjoyed the externalising of grief as a way to bring information to people and allow them to explore what they may not have considered before. The concept of solidarity, as a human being with all the faults and foibles that come with it, as a non separator from self to client I is powerful/
Aimee
October 29, 2022I like how Michael White & David Epston greeted themselves with “What are you doing differently?” I like the assumption that things had been approached differently. I feel like this question acknowledges that we are in a cycle of continuous growth and change. I want to incorporate this question at the beginning of sessions with clients that have committed to doing things differently in our previous session. I think this question can be empowering as clients think about the ways they’ve stepped out of their comfort zone.
I’m fascinated by working towards justice. Of course, literal “justice” is not always possible but having injustices addressed, heard and acknowledged allows our clients to grieve. This stands out to me because as a coach I’ve always tried to avoid focusing on the past and instead focused on the future state. This article helped me realize that being able to tell their story of grief and have it acknowledged can help clients work towards justice. I plan to incorporate this in my coaching work because as a person feels a sense of justice, they may choose to retell their story in a different way, to see things differently, to feel more empowered. To create a new story of the future.
alexander
October 26, 2022Making those ideas and the practice assessable to the world, what a brilliant idea. 1983 is the year I was born, it is when Dulwich Centre opened. And now I can see and access to this ideas being thousands miles away, freely, without a paywall.
As a practitioner, learning new and better ways of “Telling our stories in ways that make us stronger” makes me happy. Witnessing the effect, when suddenly another story is there, vivid, more optimistic one, with choices, options to move on, see lightness and joy. It is a privilege.
Also being aware of stories that I tell, share with my dead ones. Do they make me stronger? Wonderful topic to reflect on.
angie.wiggins
October 19, 2022Kia ora, I’m Angie from Whanganui, Aotearoa. I resonated with the concepts of solidarity, that quote was awesome! And Aunty Barbara’s way of living it was beautiful to read. I loved imagining Epston and White conversing ideas endlessly and I really resonate with the ‘joy of offering (these ideas) to a world that was looking fir a new way of working’. I also really vibe with ‘ethnography of the particular’ and asking questions to assist people to know their own knowledge. I love that!!
andrewsar
October 11, 2022Which particular ideas or stories intrigued you?
I enjoyed reading the extract from the continuing the conversation with Michae exposing some sort of vulnerability. I thought this approach could help reduce the power imbalance that we can find ourselves in when engaging with people who seek support from us as clinicians.
Why do you think these things stood out to you?
People who are coming in to seek support from us are often shy or reluctant to do so. Therefore, making that first step is an amazing step to celebrate but often times can be so daunting.
I thought that by Michael exposing himself as a human like anyone else, and by asking for assistance this could hopefully encourage the other person seeking help, to see him in a different light.
What from these histories would you like to take with you into your future practice in some way?
I hope that I can bring myself to the table not just my professional experiences but also my lived experiences to paint picture as another human here to help. I liked the line of questioning he went through to naturally progress into explaining his current situation and I hope I can be creative to do things in a similar way in my practice.
Dawn
October 7, 2022I resonated deeply with Aunty Barbara Wingard’s words about grief and re-membering. I found myself nodding along, and shedding a few tears as I reflected on the deaths in my family, and the ways in which those of us still living have intentionally chosen to honor our family members and bring them with us. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the image of “Mr. Anger” leaving when the young man she described was able to remember and tell his stories. I think we lose so much of ourselves and we stunt our capacity for growth and healing when we deny the value of re-membering and sharing the stories of our dead loved ones.
Dawn, El Sobrante CA USA
amanda
October 5, 2022The short snippet from ‘Continuing the conversation’ was enlightening to read as sometimes in our fast-paced society, we feel that individuals who may respond differently, have nothing good to contribute to us. This makes me reflect about conversations that I have had with my students, who sometimes have rich insights, opinions and suggestions to offer. However, due to their inability to express those thoughts at the moment or voicing them out at the wrong moment, we do not place them as high on importance as their peers. It was a humbling reminder that as educators, we cannot only provide one means of response. Have we considered alternative mediums of asking questions and sharing thoughts? If we have not, we may be missing the important stories untold. (Writing from Singapore)
anapaty
September 25, 2022Hello, I’m Ana, writing from Monterrey, México.
As many of you here, I loved Michael White and David’s story. I really enjoy reading how each of them has there own way of being at those same differences are the ones that complemented the other. I would love to find myself with more colleagues like this; looking out for each other, not this beautiful practice as a competition, uniting to keep helping people.
I also loved the story feminism itself has inside the narrative therapy, the power it has in it and how it continues to change overtime. I hope I can keep learning and observing how the narrative therapy makes actual issues central part of the therapy process.
Yashodhara Chowdhury
September 15, 2022The story which stood out the most to me was the personal relationship shared by Michael White and David Epston. The friendship shared across geographies and different social backgrounds – to know that this led to the development of such a beautiful practice is inspiring. This has probably stood out for me because I am quite proud of some such beautiful friendships that I share with my friends, who are from this same space of work but all looking at it differently. they are my number one source of inspiration for thinking or trying out anything, and I can always go back to them to discuss what I have found or excited about. So this idea of ‘consultive partnerships’; is something I would love to engage with in my own work now and in the future.
The idea of Ethnographic imagination also sparked intrigue, though I have to admit I have more questions now than answers, more unknown that what I understood. Something which I would want to read more literature on.
Khadigi Mariam
September 8, 2022I am from Sydney, Australia,
I just wanted to say that all these Historical look at the development of this therapy helps to understand it more and to put it into practice for when we want to go into it. I like the story of Aunty Barb and the struggles that she went through to give back the identity of the Aboriginal people through grieving the lost ones and letting them come back through remembrance and telling their stories to the people who don’t want to forget the ones that have gone. Letting the people grieve the way that is customary for them is also very important.
The western world has tried to mould many countries that have gone through hardships into replicas of themselves and it just does not work when these people and their practices are very well been established and loved. this is what I believe has been the problem for many, many, people.