Histories
In this chapter we provide materials that briefly outline some of the important histories that continue to inform and shape narrative practices today. You will be introduced to co-founders Michael White and David Epston as well as other influential people who contributed to the development of narrative practices. We will also name some of the key practices Michael White developed over his lifetime and some of the main authors he drew upon.
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!
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.
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 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 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.
Still 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.
I 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!!