Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends (Hardcover)

~ David Epston (Author), (Author) "In this chapter, I (M. W.) have presented an overview of some of the more recent developments in social theory that David and I have..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sneaky Poo, David Epston, Declaration of Independence (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, South Australia. Use of letter-writing in family therapy.

About the Author

David Epston, M.A., C.Q.S.W. is coauthor of Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends (1990) and Playful Approaches to Serious Problems (1997). He is a visiting professor at the School of Community Studies, UNITEC Institute of Technology in Auckland, and is the codirector of the Family Therapy Centre in Auckland.

Michael White is an originator of Narrative Therapy, and is Co-Director of Dulwich Centre, an institute for narrative practice and community work in Adelaide, Australia. He is an internationally recognized teacher, has authored numerous articles and books, and is co-author of Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co.; 1 edition (May 17, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393700984
• ISBN-13: 978-0393700985
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,662 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Starting Point of Narrative Therapy, December 22, 2001

By	Geoffrey L Smith "mftgeoff" (Visalia, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This is the book that started the current focus on narrative therapy. There are only four chapters in this book and each explains a large part of narrative counseling. One of the best chapters is on how the process of "externalizing" works. Another good chapter is about how writing letters and making documents for clients can be an effective therapy tool.

Although this book is over ten years old, it is still the first book that someone should read when learning about narrative counseling.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A left hand turn in therapy (for the better)., August 8, 2005

By	A. Jessie Kerr Halls "JKH" (Vancouver Island, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was surprised to read the other negative reviews of this book. This book is, after all, the text which defined the philisophical underpinning of a new way of looking at expertise in therapy. Yes, much of the book, especially the discussion of Foucault's ideas, is hard going and at times requires a second or even third read. This is not a "how to" book. It is an invitation to a way of thinking about problems and their role in a life. It is a book about the transformative value of conversations, viewpoints and relationship. This book is not for sissies, but it is brilliant. Those who want a "narrative primer" should be able to find one elsewhere. However, they will be skipping the magic of transformative thought. Michael White and David Epston have unleased the power of alternatives for those oppressed by problems and by society. An amazing read!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theoretical Understanding, February 25, 2006

By	Michele Shay "Marriage and Family Therapy Gra... (Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a great resource for developing a theoretical understanding of narrative therapy. Specific techniques such as letter writing and certificates are described in detail. However, if you are looking for a how-to guide on narrative therapy, I would suggest "Playful approaches to serious problems: Narrative therapy with children and their families" by Freeman, J., Epston, D., & Lobvits, D. (1997).