5 Narrative Therapy Worksheets for Mental Health

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the stories people tell about their lives and themselves. Rooted in the idea that narratives shape our reality, this therapeutic approach helps individuals to reframe or rewrite their stories in a way that promotes well-being and personal growth. It shifts the focus from problematic behaviors to viewing a person within the context of their life story, where they are the author of their own lives.

Benefits of Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy offers numerous benefits:

• Empowerment: Individuals gain control over their life narrative.
• Identity Formation: It aids in shaping a positive self-concept.
• Problem Externalization: Issues are seen as separate from the person, reducing blame and shame.
• New Perspectives: Encourages new viewpoints on old problems.
• Strength Focus: Highlights personal strengths and resilience.

Introducing Narrative Therapy Worksheets

Worksheets in narrative therapy serve as tools to assist clients in externalizing their problems, discovering hidden strengths, and restructuring their life stories. Here are five effective worksheets:

1. The Life Map Worksheet

The Life Map Worksheet helps individuals visualize their life journey, understanding how past events influence their current situation.

Event	Year/Age	Emotion	Lesson
Event 1
Event 2

📌 Note: Each row should represent a significant life event, helping to connect experiences with emotions and learnings.

2. The Problem as a Character Worksheet

In this exercise, individuals personify their problem, which helps them to see it as separate from their identity.

<h4>How to Use:</h4>
<ul>
    <li>Name the Problem: What would you call it?</li>
    <li>Describe the Character: What does it look like? How does it behave?</li>
    <li>Discuss Interaction: How does this character affect your life?</li>
    <li>Plot Twist: How can you change the story to make this character less dominant?</li>
</ul>

📌 Note: Encourage clients to be creative and playful with their descriptions to externalize the problem effectively.

3. The Timeline of Triumphs Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on identifying and celebrating personal victories, both big and small.

• Write down moments of triumph or success in your life.
• Reflect on the skills or resources that helped you achieve these.
• Connect these victories to broader life themes or ongoing narratives.

4. Alternative Stories Worksheet This involves creating alternative stories that acknowledge other aspects of the individual’s life that might have been overshadowed by the dominant narrative.

<h4>Steps:</h4>
<ol>
    <li>Identify the dominant story.</li>
    <li>Find exceptions or moments when this story did not apply.</li>
    <li>Craft a new story based on these exceptions.</li>
</ol>

5. The Letter to Self Worksheet

Writing a letter to oneself can be a powerful tool for self-compassion and re-storying.

• Start with a compassionate introduction.
• Acknowledge past struggles and the impact of these narratives.
• Write about the strengths and resources the person possesses.
• Encourage oneself with hopeful, supportive words for the future.

Implementing Narrative Therapy Worksheets

When incorporating these worksheets into therapy sessions, consider:

• Timing: Choose appropriate moments when clients are receptive to narrative work.
• Safety: Ensure clients are comfortable and feel safe to explore their stories.
• Gradual Progression: Introduce worksheets gradually to avoid overwhelming clients.

In sum, narrative therapy offers a transformative approach to mental health, allowing individuals to reshape their life’s narrative. Through the use of specific worksheets like the Life Map, Problem as a Character, Timeline of Triumphs, Alternative Stories, and Letter to Self, individuals can gain a new perspective on their challenges and strengths. This process not only empowers clients but also enriches their understanding of their own life stories, fostering growth, resilience, and a more positive self-concept.