Narrative Therapy: An Introduction for Counsellors

Narrative Therapy: An Introduction for Counsellors

by Martin Payne (Author)

Synopsis

`Narrative therapy invites a fresh look at assumptions in the therapy culture, and on reading Martin Payne's account I instantly had a sense of being understood. I found this particularly refreshing, as so much that is written in the name of narrative therapy doesn't at all fit with my understanding of its philosophical, ethical and political considerations. He has succeeded in representing his own voice in this, which really makes for engaging reading and accessibility of these ideas' - Michael White

`This is a fascinating and important book' - John McLeod

`A book which is refreshing, thoughtful and modest in its outlook...there is something in this book for most of us' - The New Therapist

`Martin Payne accomplishes more than an introduction to the ideas and practices behind Narrative Therapy. He achieves a simple clarity of expression without undermining the complexity of some of the ideas.... This book is wide-ranging, accessible and current' - The Journal of Family Therapy

Narrative therapy provides exciting alternatives for counsellors seeking new ways of working. The author of this absorbing introduction demonstrates that ideas and methods developed by influential family therapists Michael White and David Epston are equally appropriate for work with individuals and couples.

Martin Payne overviews narrative therapy practices, with vivid illustrations from transcripts of sessions, and describes the post-structuralist philosophical assumptions which inform narrative therapy. Many assumptions in traditional counselling are re-examined, and the reader is invited to consider the extent to which values and methods of narrative therapy might resonate with, enrich or challenge their existing approach. The book ends with an experiential exercise in narrative co-supervision.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 237
Edition: illustrated edition
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
Published: 18 Nov 1999

ISBN 10: 0761957839
ISBN 13: 9780761957836

Media Reviews
`One of this book's great advantages is that it does assume an interest from the readers but starts with the premise that the reader might not have any personal contact with the approach. Attention is given to the transition that will occur for a practitioner beginning to use Narrative. The chapter on Questions is particularly useful in this regard.

As a practitioner I found this book a good review of the area and most usefully, of the theory which underpins it - theory which is often difficult to connect with' - ANZJFT

`Narrative therapy invites a fresh look at assumptions in the therapy culture, and on reading Martin Payne's account I instantly had a sense of being understood. I found this particularly refreshing, as so much that is written in the name of narrative therapy doesn't at all fit with my understanding of its philosophical, ethical and political considerations. He has succeeded in representing his own voice in this, which really makes for engaging reading and accessibility of these ideas' - Michael White

`This is a fascinating and important book' - John McLeod

`A book which is refreshing, thoughtful and modest in its outlook....there is something in this book for most of us' - The New Therapist

`Martin Payne accomplishes more than an introduction to the ideas and practices behind Narrative Therapy. He achieves a simple clarity of expression without undermining the complexity of some of the ideas.... This book is wide-ranging, accessible and current' - The Journal of Family Therapy

`The book is aimed at counsellors and therapists who have very much more time available than the standard 10 minutes of British general practice. None the less, there is much here which feels of immediate relevance to the stories our patients tell us every day. Narrative therapy seeks to value everyone's story, to rediscover and to invest everyone with dignity. In this way it affirms the universalism to which general practice aspires. Read in this context, this wonderfully supportive and stimulating book' - Family Practice

Author Bio
Martin Payne is an independent counsellor working mainly in GP surgeries. During his previous career in Further and Adult Education he found his work was increasingly focussed on assisting students who were experiencing problems in their lives. He trained in counselling at Colchester Institute of Higher Education and gained their Diploma in Counselling. He has completed Intensive Training in Narrative Therapy with Michael White in Adelaide, South Australia, and is the author of Narrative Therapy: an Introduction for Counsellors (Sage Publications: Second edition, 2006).