Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities [Hardcover]

Gene Combs (Author), Jill Freedman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393702073 | ISBN-13: 978-0393702071 | Publication Date: March 17, 1996 | Edition: 1

For psychotherapy students, teachers, and practitioners, this book describes the clinical application of the growing body of ideas and practices that has come to be known as narrative therapy. Clear and compelling demonstrations of narrative therapy practice, rich in case examples and creative strategies, are at the heart of this book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (March 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393702073
• ISBN-13: 978-0393702071
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, accessible introduction to narrative therapy, October 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities (Hardcover)

Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I thought it pertinent in this circumstance to offer mine. Ruplins of Portland states that "Freedman and Combs do not grasp the constructivist approach used by White and Epston." I was really taken aback by such an assertion, because my reading of the book couldn't be more at odds. I welcomed the book when it was published and was delighted that it provided under one cover a comprehensive and accessible introduction to narrative therapy without compromising the relevance of its politics and poetics. In addition, the authors' chapter on questions extends narrative work in ways I have read and re-read very carefully. I strongly recommend everyone who I am involved with in training/consultation and those seeking merely an introduction to narrative therapy to read it. If I were considering a degree program of any sort, I would expect this book to be required reading. I agree with Michael White when he described the book as "quite a feat!"

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Review - EXCELLENT!, January 25, 2003

By 

John D. Moore (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities (Hardcover)

Narrative Therapy by Jill Freedman & Gene Combs is perhaps one of the best theraputic books I have read. As an author and human services worker, I am always looking for titles that will help me assist client's with their needs. That said, this book is a must read for anyone who wants to work through problems such as depression, anger and societal connections. I highly recommend this book - the authors did a great job!

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John D. Moore, MS, CADC
Author of Confusing Love with Obsession

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The authors helped re-author my understanding..., June 21, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Vancouver Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities (Hardcover)

I went to a University whereby post-modernism was not par nor parcel of our curriculum. It was when I got out of school that I began to see the potential and methodology of Narrative Therapy. After buying White and Epston's material and seeking out therapists, I was advised to buy this book. An excellent practical application of an excellent theory. Kudos to the authors. I find this book particularly helpful for working with troubled adolescents and college age clients. Looking forward to further practical publications!