Maps of Narrative Practice

Maps of Narrative Practice - Michael White

Michael White, one of the founders of narrative therapy, is back with his first major publication since the seminal Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends, which Norton published in 1990. Maps of Narrative Practice provides brand new practical and accessible accounts of the major areas of narrative practice that White has developed and taught over the years, so that readers may feel confident when utilizing this approach in their practices. The book covers each of the five main areas of narrative practice-re-authoring conversations, remembering conversations, scaffolding conversations, definitional ceremony, externalizing conversations, and rite of passage maps-to provide readers with an explanation of the practical implications, for therapeutic growth, of these conversations. The book is filled with transcripts and commentary, skills training exercises for the reader, and charts that outline the conversations in diagrammatic form. Readers both well-versed in narrative therapy as well as those new to its concepts, will find this fresh statement of purpose and practice essential to their clinical work. “You will be rewarded in reading this book, by the time you spend with White, and by being in his presence.” — The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter “Michael White has created a definitive text of theory and practice… His prolific body of work stands as a foundation of narrative therapy, summarized and systematically presented for the first time in this brilliant new book…Beautifully organized and a pleasure to read, it brings theory alive with colorful transcripts of therapy in every chapter and offers examples and instructions for applying narrative practices with the full range of mental health challenges that psychiatrists and therapists may be called upon to address. Although it is an excellent, accessible introduction to the field, experienced narrative therapists will draw upon its thoroughness, precision, and subtlety to invigorate and hone their craft.” — Psychiatric Services “Maps of Narrative Practice, likely to be regarded as his magnum opus, makes it clear why his brand of narrative therapy has broad appeal and great impact on the therapeutic community…I highly recommend this book to practitioners and researchers, especially those interested in positive psychology and positive psychotherapy.” — PsycCritiques “If this book were a film or a novel, the blurb would read: ‘AT LAST! The long-awaited sequel to the influential 1990 work, Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends.’…. powerfully engaging mixture of personal and professional narrative.” — Therapy Today “This book represents a remarkable leap forward in the narrative literature and in the canon of work on therapy in general.” — Journal of Marital and Family Therapy