Customer Reviews

Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!"

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

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!

Though this is a useful guide to Narrative technique, the authors do not grasp the constructionist approach used by White and Epston. They are too keen on deconstructing one reality (mainstream American) to see that they simply replace it with another, equally culture bound view (that of academic feminism). However, the techniques are presented skillfully. A useful manual for therapists.

Combs and Freedman have written an excellent
book that not only informs the reader of the
historical basis of narrative therapy, but
also reflects upon the authors own search for
a compassionate and respectful approach to
therapy.

I can't help but think that anthropologist Clifford Geertz, whose ideas about narrative and culture underlie much of this therapy, would be disappointed by this book. Anyone who has worked with tribal peoples knows that you can't use techniques to get them to fit your agenda, even when it is a "progressive" one like the agenda in this book. Aren't therapists supposed to let the clients' needs define therapy? If so, why do the authors of this book so often insert definitions reactively counter to their view of what's "oppressive"? Is it not better to have no agenda at all? This is not a bad book by any means. But it is limited in scope. Trust in the narrative process demands a true shared inquiry, not one driven by culture bound feminist and politically correct ideology.

As a counseling psychology student, I found this book to be incredibly useful in understanding the foundations of Narrative Therapy. This book offers a lot in the ways of theoretical orientation and basic narrative counseling skills. A must read for counselors who wish to expand their techniques.

This is a really great resource for learning about the theoretical assumptions behind narrative therapy and how to start practicing narrative techniques. Freedman and Combs do an excellent job of bringing the material to the reader in a collaborative, non-pedantic way - perfect for the post-modern, narrative viewpoint that they are conveying. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning ways of connecting in a more personal and real way with their clients' life stories and personalities. Great book!

This is the most frequently referred to introduction to narrative therapy, and consequently a good primer on the subject. However the authors fall prey to many of the school's major flaws, especially the naive and distorted use of philosophical ideas. Terms originally from philosophy, such as deconstruction or postmodernism, are used in such diluted and selective forms as to be ultimately meaningless, and like all other narrative therapy theorists, the authors fail to establish a real link between their personal beliefs and the external realm of philosophy. (Interested readers should refer to George Graham or Christopher Norris.) Ultimately what they demonstrate is that NT is simply the latest form of humanist therapy, a kind of cognitive therapy without the science to back it. (A review of CBT literature from the 60s shows an amazing similarity in terms and concepts, including "narrative" and "externalize".) Readers who have already bought into the voguish religion of NT will find it useful, but anyone seeking a real intellectual challenge or fundamental theoretical shift in psychotherapy will be sorely disappointed. Despite its claims to miraculous and rapid cures, it turns out from research that NT is--surprise--as effective as any other kind of therapy. A typical example of the pointless proliferation of novel clinical methodolgies and their attendant zealots. Good for practical skills, but little else.

Please ignore the non-review of July 11, and dig deep enough to see David Epston's thoughts about the book.