Storytelling therapy for understanding Stubbornness - MindsetOpedia DMHC Blogs
- wiccinpwc
- Feb 14, 2023
- 2 min read
Storytelling therapy for understanding Stubbornness
Ms. Ananya, Ms. Manya & Ms. Shruti
Council Members, WICCI—DMHC (CtoE)
What is Storytelling Therapy?
Storytelling when used therapeutically with stories, is simply known as storytelling therapy. There are several ways to go about this therapy. In my opinion, the term "Storytelling Therapy" could be used to refer to all therapeutic modalities, that incorporate story/narrative and narrative psychology, whether or not they also take into account the client's social and psychological reactions to telling stories to at least one other person.
How to use Storytelling Therapy?
There are a variety of techniques and exercises used in storytelling therapy to help individuals heal and move past a problematic story. Some of the most commonly used techniques include the following —
Putting Together Your Narrative: Narrative therapists help their clients put together their narrative. This process allows the clients to find their voice, and explore events in their lives and the meanings they have placed on these experiences. As their story is put together, the client becomes an observer of their story and looks at it with the therapist, working to identify the dominant and problematic story.
Deconstruction: Deconstruction is used to help clients gain clarity in their stories. When a problematic story feels like it has been around for a long time, clients may use generalized statements and become confused in their own stories. A narrative therapist would work with them to break down their story into smaller parts, clarifying the problem and making it more approachable.
Unique Outcomes: When a story feels concrete, as if it could never change, and any idea of alternative stories is impossible, clients can feel stuck in their story and may also allow it to influence several areas of their lives—decision-making, behaviors, experiences, and relationships.
Externalisation: Putting together the story of their lives also allows clients to observe themselves. This helps create a distance between the client and their problems, which is called externalization. This distance allows them to better focus on changing unwanted behaviors.
The correlation between storytelling therapy and child stubbornness.
In today's environment, it is imperative for children and young adults to improve their interpersonal skills, as these are essential for developing a confident self. As stated in the research "Effectiveness of Storytelling Therapy on the Reduction of Aggression and Stubbornness in Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder," storytelling therapy causes a reduction in aggressive symptoms in children suffering from oppositional defiant disorder. Humans, whether they are children or elderly people, are enthralled by the realm of stories, and consider them an essential part of their existence. Although they have limitless potential, children with obstinate and defiant behavior find it slightly difficult to fit into society as they grow. The storytelling technique provides children ease and relatability as they experience it collectively, fostering a healthy mind and behavior in the process. As per psychological theories, stories can assist in resolving issues, and the most well-known psychologist in this regard is Bruno Bettelheim, that story was used as a treatment for children. Children can better comprehend and express their concerns when they hear stories as they are able to relate to specific instances. Furthermore, as storytelling therapy supports children's holistic development, it can be practiced widely.
Therefore, storytelling therapy is a beneficial technique to create an inclusive treatment for children displaying stubborn behavior.
CITATIONS:
Wonderfully and collaboratively explained👏