Narrative Practices and Emotions: 40+ Ways to Support the Emergence of Flourishing Identities

Book excerpt: Contemporary challenges and discoveries call for an expansion of narrative therapy practices. Narrative therapy has the potential to help clients understand their challenges as separate from their selves, shifting the focus to their inner strengths when managing a problem. Narrative Practices and Emotions provides a fresh perspective for new and experienced practitioners alike on how to combine classic narrative therapy with the latest scholarship on the mind–body connection. Authors Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin and Gerald Monk tap into cutting edge discoveries on mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, and positive psychology. Each chapter offers a wealth of clinical questions and embodied exercises, while “conversation maps”—which provide important guideposts to practitioners—are illustrated with engaging transcripts of therapeutic work. These compelling case studies elegantly demonstrate how skillful conversations can invigorate hope and support personal development. Readers will discover a wide variety of ways to assist clients of all ages in reengaging with a meaningful life and sustaining well-being.