Using Art in Narrative Therapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Possibilities

Narrative therapy attempts to help families “reauthor” their lives through a process of externalization, unique outcomes, and performance before an audience. The interventions in this model are accomplished mostly through language. This may make narrative therapy a complicated process for many therapists and clients. The purpose of this article is to show how applying art therapy techniques to the basic principles of narrative therapy enhances the potential for therapists and families to open the door to externalizing conversations that lead to a new life.