Narrative, life writing, and healing: the therapeutic functions of storytelling

Abstract

Narrative therapy is a process of co-authoring life narratives that transforms literature into a practice which helps and heals clients. In a sense, the therapist serves as the client’s writing coach, equipping the client to work through his or her “problems” by means of life writing. Narrative therapy, emerging from a post-modern, social constructive background, constitutes a unique approach to personal healing, and life writing, as a meaning-constructing activity and the prototype of narrative therapy, has its therapeutic functions. The process of healing through life writing can take place in a classroom setting characterized by openness and empathy. I have witnessed such healing in my three years of research, and have discovered how the two-fold self—Self-1 and Self-2—co-author life narratives and foster healing. Self-1 acts as the main character as well as an involved narrator, while Self-2 acts as the narrator, listener, and counselor, and life narratives usually appear as a dialogue between these two selves. Self-1 and Self-2 merge when an epiphany occurs in the author’s writing that allows him or her to make sense of life experiences. Self-2 has different perspectives and resources that Self-1 lacks, and can re-narrate and assign new meanings to life experiences. Moreover, Self-2 deconstructs stereotypes and frees Self-1 from oppressive narratives by offering alternative life stories.