Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Narrative Exposure Therapy
Through narrative therapy, individuals have the opportunity to analyze and comprehend their past experiences in a safe and supportive environment. By reframing their narratives about trauma in a more positive light, they can regain control over their emotions and move forward from past pain. This technique empowers individuals to see themselves as survivors rather than victims, ultimately enabling them to envision a brighter future.
What is Narrative Exposure (NET)?
Is a form of trauma therapy that uses the power of storytelling to help you heal from your past experiences. The process involves creating a chronological narrative of life events, integrating all experiences from the traumatic to the positive. NET is unique in its focus on recognizing and creating an account of what happened in your life in a way that serves to recapture your self-respect. NET is an effective treatment for PTSD, substance use disorders, and trauma.
By: Deborah Kuzmin, LCSW – Executive Director of Hanley CenterRead MoreUnderstanding Narrative Therapy
The approach of narrative therapy is most often used for people with community-based trauma which includes political, cultural, or social influences. Individual therapy sessions are used, but there are usually groups of four to 10 people receiving therapy together.
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Narrative therapy assumes that:
- There is no single truth. Instead, you have your own view of reality, and another person has their own view as well.
- When we attach meaning to something, it has a foundation in social, cultural, and political contexts.
- You are never the problem. The situation is the problem.
- You are an expert on your own life.
- You can become the author or narrator of your own story.
- When you create your narrative, you have already assigned meaning to events in your life. Your narrative affects how you see yourself and how you live your life.
- Before seeking professional help, you’ve already tried to reduce the impact of past trauma on your life.
- You may be seeking therapy because you see yourself as less than you are. You may not see your full capabilities and potential.
- Maximizing your skills and abilities means that you can take control of your life and let go of past trauma.
- No problem has complete influence over your life. There are moments, relationships, and events that remain pure and uninfluenced by the trauma you went through.
- The therapy atmosphere should be welcoming, respectful, non-judgmental, and professional.
Impact of Narrative Therapy on Your Health
Your therapist will make sure you have a better perspective by having you include positive experiences, too. When you turn your trauma into a narrative, you give context to the cognitive, affective, and sensory memories of the trauma. You’re able to turn fragments of memory into a complete autobiography by filling in missing details and connecting everything together.
During a session, your therapist asks you to describe in detail your:
- Emotions
- Thoughts
- Senses
- Physiological responses
In a sense, you will relive the trauma. During these storytelling sessions, your therapist will make sure you are grounded in the present, so you don’t become overwhelmed by the memories. This may take place over several sessions.
WebMD Editorial ContributorsRead MoreOne study found that narrative therapy was effective in helping people with depression improve their self-esteem, reduce their symptoms of depression, and increase their sense of hope. Another study found that narrative therapy was effective in helping people with anxiety to reduce their symptoms of anxiety and improve their quality of life.