By: Kelsi Semeschuk
A “decentred” therapeutic stance is often seen as one of the hallmarks of narrative practice, but it is interpreted differently by different practitioners. This paper draws on theory-building, feminist and collective doctoral research with the archive of video recordings of Michael White’s teaching and therapy sessions. This research involved detailed observation of Michael White’s therapy sessions, collective research with a group of practitioners, and a systematic search all of Michael White’s published writings that relate to a “decentred” stance. This article offers one situated account of learnings that emerged through a particular engagement with this archive. I hope this can contribute to ongoing conversations about how decentred and influential practice might be more fully described in contemporary narrative therapy.
Key words: decentred; influential; centred; decentred; Michael White; narrative therapy; narrative practice
Semeschuk, K. (2026). Towards a decentred, politically influential, accountable and yet uncertain narrative practice. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1), 20–27.https://doi.org/10.4320/MEZE9137