Therapists have a variety of approaches to choose from when working with clients, each offering unique benefits. Two popular models are Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. While both aim to help individuals improve their lives, they do so in very different ways. Understanding these differences can help practitioners select the most effective approach for their clients’ specific needs.
Want to upskill yourself in Solution-Focused Therapy and earn 2.5 credits from the comfort of your home? Explore more about how you can complete the course in a breeze.
Origins and Philosophy
Michael White and David Epston developed Narrative Therapy in the 1980s. It’s rooted in the idea that people construct their identities through the stories they tell about themselves. These narratives shape how individuals perceive their experiences and interact with the world. The therapist’s role is to help clients re-author their stories, focusing on their strengths and abilities rather than the problems they face.
On the other hand, Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg pioneered Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) around the same time. This approach emphasizes creating solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It’s a forward-looking, goal-directed method that encourages clients to envision a preferred future and identify steps to achieve it.
The practitioner works with the client to build on what’s already working, however small or seemingly insignificant those successes might appear.
Approach To Problems and Solutions
A fundamental distinction between the two therapies lies in how they approach problems. Narrative Therapy views problems as separate from the person. It sees issues as being external to the individual, influenced by societal, cultural, and contextual factors.
For instance, instead of saying, “I am depressed,” a client might say, “Depression has taken a hold of me.” This externalization technique helps clients view their problems as challenges that can be overcome rather than as inherent aspects of themselves.
However, Solution-Focused Therapy takes a more direct route by focusing on solutions rather than problems. SFT practitioners often use a technique called the “miracle question,” asking clients to imagine what their life would look like if their problem was suddenly solved.
The approach encourages them to think about small, manageable steps to move toward their desired outcome. In SFT, the problem itself isn’t the focal point; the client’s preferred future is.
Use of Language and Storytelling
Language plays a critical role in both therapies, but in distinct ways. Narrative Therapy involves detailed storytelling. Clients are invited to share their narratives in-depth, which allows them to see the events in their lives from different angles. This process can reveal overlooked strengths or alternative interpretations of difficult situations.
In contrast, Solution-Focused Therapy uses language more strategically to steer conversations toward solutions. Questions are framed to elicit descriptions of past successes, exceptions to the problem, and potential steps forward.
For example, a therapist might ask, “Can you tell me about a time when this issue was less intense or more manageable?” This shifts the focus away from the problem and toward effective strategies that the client may have already employed.
Session Structure
In practice, the structure of sessions also differs significantly. Narrative Therapy sessions tend to be more exploratory, with the therapist and client working collaboratively to explore and reshape the client’s narrative. There is often no fixed agenda; instead, the conversation flows according to the client’s storytelling process.
By contrast, Solution-Focused Therapy is often more structured and brief. The practitioner typically begins by clarifying what the client wants to achieve from the session. Then, they work together to identify small, actionable steps that can lead to improvement. The focus is on making tangible progress in a short period, which is why SFT is commonly used for short-term interventions.
How To Apply the Therapies To Different Client Needs
Narrative Therapy is particularly useful for clients dealing with issues related to identity, trauma, or complex life stories. It provides a space to explore the impact of past experiences and societal narratives on their self-concept. People who struggle with self-blame or feel overwhelmed by their circumstances may find this approach very helpful.
Solution-Focused Therapy can be especially helpful for clients seeking quick relief from specific issues, such as managing anxiety or improving relationships. It’s well suited for individuals who are interested in changing but feel stuck. SFT is also a practical choice for situations where time is limited, such as in school counseling or workplace settings.
The Therapist’s Role
In Narrative Therapy, the therapist takes on the role of a collaborator or co-author. They are not seen as the expert who provides answers but as a guide who helps the client find their own meaning and solutions. By promoting clients as experts in their own lives, this egalitarian perspective can empower them.
On the other hand, Solution-Focused Therapy sees the therapist more as a facilitator. They guide the client in recognizing their own resources and strengths. While still client-centered, the practitioner in SFT may take a more active role in suggesting specific strategies or encouraging particular lines of thought.
Cultural Sensitivity
Both therapies offer culturally sensitive ways of working with clients, but they do so differently. Narrative Therapy’s emphasis on understanding the impact of societal and cultural narratives makes it particularly attuned to issues of oppression, marginalization, and identity. It invites clients to critically examine the broader influences on their personal stories.
Solution-Focused Therapy, meanwhile, is adaptable across different cultural contexts because of its focus on individual solutions rather than pathologizing problems. It does not require extensive exploration of past issues or societal factors. This makes it a more comfortable fit for clients who might find such discussions intrusive or irrelevant.
Combining Both Approaches
While these therapies have distinct methodologies, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many therapists integrate elements of both to suit their clients’ needs. For example, a counselor might use Narrative Therapy techniques to help a client externalize and reframe their problem and then employ Solution-Focused strategies to identify actionable steps for change. This flexible approach allows for a more personalized therapeutic experience.
Choosing the Right Approach
Selecting between Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy depends largely on the client’s goals, preferences, and the nature of their issues. Narrative Therapy offers a powerful toolset for clients who need to make sense of complex life events like complex trauma or reframe deeply held beliefs. It provides a space for deep reflection and the re-imagining of self-identity.
Solution-Focused Therapy may be the better option for those who are looking for practical, immediate solutions. Its structured, goal-oriented nature enables clients to quickly identify and implement changes. So it’s ideal for short-term work or for clients who are ready to take action but need help identifying where to start.
Consider Your Client’s Needs
Both Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy offer valuable approaches for helping clients navigate their challenges and achieve their goals. By understanding the key differences and applications of each, therapists can better tailor their interventions to meet their clients’ unique needs.
Whether re-authoring stories or building on existing strengths, both therapies empower clients to move toward a more fulfilling life. Ready to integrate SFT into your therapy? Create an account now!