Re-imagining the history- and future – of Narrative Therapy

Shortly before Michael died,  he and David Epston had a plan to get together to reflect on the future of narrative therapy.

 We didn’t want to start until we started, but Michael did hint at what he had in mind. In speaking aloud of this, I do not believe I am breaching any confidentiality, as it was our express intention to merely reculer pour mieux sauter or retreat backwards in order to better leap forwards and publish prolifically. That is how we imagined edging towards our respective dotages. But perhaps now we would have much more time to sit down and talk, think, read, exchange notes, and so on, rather than hurriedly catching up in the midst of conferences, at workshops where we were already fully engaged or at times overwhelmed with responsibilities. We weren’t thinking of a sinecure, but just more time. Journal of Systemic Therapies, Vol. 35, No. 1, 2016, pp. 79–87, p 81.

We include here David’s reflections on this imagined gathering, followed by several of David’s collective and collaborative initiatives that embody the spirit of narrative therapy.

A number of exciting developments are occurring, which  bridge the body and Narrative Practice. We begin by grappling with philosophical congruence while integrating other approaches with a narrative approach.  We then share some relevant gleanings from neurobiology. And then we illustrate with a range of evolving practices. Please help us build this page! If you have something to share, please fill out our contribution form here.

Over the past decade, a number of collective projects  have emerged.  New developments in Narrative Coaching, Organizational and Community work build on narrative principles of linking lives, seeking solidarity and documenting experiences. We highlight here a number of Dulwich collective projects working with the skills and knowledge of communities. What would you like to add?

Since Michael died in 2008, a new generation of narrative therapists has stepped forward. Have a look at some of the creative work that has emerged over the past decade – with more to come. Over the past decade,  several higher education programs have emerged a leaders in preparing the next generation of narrative practitioners. We describe Reauthoring Teaching’s commitment to bringing together a supportive network and narrative practice resource library available to higher education teachers and institutions. We highlight a few innovations in preparing the next generation. And we share a few of the fresh voices that are inspiring us. If you have something to share, please fill out our contribution form here.