The absent but implicit: a map to support therapeutic enquiry

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Therapeutic Practices

Background:

• Narrative therapy utilizes unique concepts to explore client experiences.
• The "absent but implicit" refers to meaningful experiences not explicitly stated but implied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe recent developments in applying the "absent but implicit" in narrative therapy.
• To explore how this concept facilitates uncovering alternative self-stories beyond problem narratives.

Main Methods:

• Review of narrative therapy principles supporting exploration of life accounts outside problem stories.
• Specific description of the "absent but implicit" concept and its practical application.
• Presentation of a conceptual map of narrative practice based on Michael White's teachings.

Main Results:

• The "absent but implicit" concept provides a framework for therapeutic conversations.
• This approach helps identify and foreground neglected life territories and alternative self-narratives.
• A map illustrating the "absent but implicit" in narrative practice is introduced.

Conclusions:

• The "absent but implicit" offers advanced techniques in narrative therapy.
• This method enhances the exploration of richer, often overlooked, self-stories.
• The paper contributes to understanding Michael White's latest therapeutic explorations.