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Narrative Therapy's Relational Understanding of Identity.

Gene Combs1, Jill Freedman2

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Chicago/NorthShore University Health System Family Medicine Residency Program, Evanston, IL.

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Summary

Identity is viewed as relational, distributed, performed, and fluid, emphasizing interconnection and becoming over being. This narrative approach counters individualism by valuing relationships across contexts in therapeutic practices.

Keywords:
IdentityIndividualismNarrative TherapyRelationshipSelfidentidadindividualismorelaciónterapia narrativayo个人主义关系叙事心理治疗自我身份

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Family Therapy

Background:

  • The prevailing cultural narrative often emphasizes individualism.
  • Understanding identity as fixed can limit therapeutic possibilities.
  • Family therapy traditionally values relational perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a conceptualization of identity as relational, distributed, performed, and fluid.
  • To illustrate the application of this relational identity model within a narrative worldview.
  • To offer therapeutic practices that counter individualism by focusing on interconnection and becoming.

Main Methods:

  • Drawing upon the work of Michael White and narrative therapy principles.
  • Utilizing case examples to demonstrate the practical application of the relational identity concept.
  • Describing therapeutic responses that prioritize interconnection across multiple contexts.

Main Results:

  • A relational view of identity leads to therapeutic responses valuing interconnection.
  • The conceptualization shifts focus from 'being' to 'becoming'.
  • Narrative worldview supports a relational, co-evolving perspective in therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Adopting a relational identity framework offers an alternative to individualism.
  • Therapeutic practices can be grounded in a narrative worldview that emphasizes interconnection.
  • This approach supports a focus on ongoing development and relational becoming.