Meaning and understanding are constructed in conversation together — they are not pre-existing inside the client and not brought in by the therapist. Both participants of the dialogue "build" a new understanding of the situation in the process of the conversation. This does not mean that the therapist "makes up a story" — both rely on the client's actual experience but organize it into new linguistic forms. The result is "local knowledge", unique to this pair. Unlike narrative therapy (White/Epston), the process is more open and less structured.
Step-by-step guide
- Invite the client to tell — not answer ready-made categories
- During the conversation, voice what is arising: "So this looks like."
- Check: "Do I understand this correctly?" — let the client edit the understanding
- Notice new words and phrasings that appear in the conversation — that is co-construction
- Do not "impose a narrative" — do not lead toward a foreknown "correct" account
When to use
- Especially when working with trauma, identity, a crisis of meaning
- When there is a need to revise the habitual story about oneself
- When the client is stuck in one "explanation" of their life
- At the closing of therapy — for summing up the joint work
Key phrases
What would you call what is happening?
This word — "X" (the client's word) — seems important. What does it mean precisely for you?
Follow-up questions
If we look at this differently. what would you see?
How would you yourself tell this story — in your own words?
Did I understand correctly? Look — is this what you meant?
Alternative phrasings
I want to check how I am hearing your story. Tell me if something is off.
What of what we said today seems the most accurate description?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Difference from narrative therapy (White/Epston): there is no structure of "deconstruction — alternative narrative", the process is more open
- ⚠️ Do not "put words into" the client — check every joint description
- ⚠️ When working with trauma, the pace must be set by the client, not by the urge for a "new narrative"
Source: Anderson, H. & Goolishian, H. 1988, 1992; Anderson, H. 1997
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.