Narrative Theory
Narrative Theory and Victims of Domestic Violence
Elena Murphy
San Francisco State University
Abstract
This paper examines online publications on narrative theory and therapy with domestic violence victims. It explores the history of narrative theory as well as what assumptions are made about individual and family clients when using the theory. The paper reviews the techniques that are used in narrative theory and then applies these techniques to a case study involving a victim of domestic abuse. The purpose of applying the use of narrative theory to a case is to examine how it is utilized in practice and how it can be used to empower a specific population.
Introduction Women who have experienced domestic violence are not only forced to face the realities of the events in their own life, but face assumptions made by society. The stories they tell themselves about their own abuse are highly influenced by the norms and values of the culture they live in. In order for victims of abuse to become empowered in their day-to-day lives, they must first be given an opportunity to reframe their story in their own language. The use of narrative theory gives clients an opportunity to experience this empowerment. The following paper will outline the theory and apply it to the use of therapy for victims of domestic violence.
History of the Theory Narrative theory is a relatively new theory that began as an alternative form of family therapy (Hart, 1995). The major proponents of the theory were Michael White and David Epston. They began developing it in the 1980’s in Australia and New Zealand. The theory is based on postmodernist and post structural developments because it draws on the belief that the “self” is a personalized concept based on a person’s knowledge, beliefs and culture. It does not assume that a person’s experiences are an objective or absolute truth, but instead view them as a social construct (Hart, 1995). Additionally, it
Elena Murphy
San Francisco State University
Abstract
This paper examines online publications on narrative theory and therapy with domestic violence victims. It explores the history of narrative theory as well as what assumptions are made about individual and family clients when using the theory. The paper reviews the techniques that are used in narrative theory and then applies these techniques to a case study involving a victim of domestic abuse. The purpose of applying the use of narrative theory to a case is to examine how it is utilized in practice and how it can be used to empower a specific population.
Introduction Women who have experienced domestic violence are not only forced to face the realities of the events in their own life, but face assumptions made by society. The stories they tell themselves about their own abuse are highly influenced by the norms and values of the culture they live in. In order for victims of abuse to become empowered in their day-to-day lives, they must first be given an opportunity to reframe their story in their own language. The use of narrative theory gives clients an opportunity to experience this empowerment. The following paper will outline the theory and apply it to the use of therapy for victims of domestic violence.
History of the Theory Narrative theory is a relatively new theory that began as an alternative form of family therapy (Hart, 1995). The major proponents of the theory were Michael White and David Epston. They began developing it in the 1980’s in Australia and New Zealand. The theory is based on postmodernist and post structural developments because it draws on the belief that the “self” is a personalized concept based on a person’s knowledge, beliefs and culture. It does not assume that a person’s experiences are an objective or absolute truth, but instead view them as a social construct (Hart, 1995). Additionally, it
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