Walden University
NRNP-6650
Experiential Family Therapy and Narrative Family Therapy
Introduction
Experiential family therapy imagery, role-playing, activities, and props that help family members to relive specific life experiences. Narrative family therapy argues that individuals have stories they can narrate, associate them with challenges and problems that assist them in ordering their thoughts and reality (McKernan, 2019). The two approaches are useful since they help eliminate underlying issues that can affect individuals and families. Therapists should be cautious since the models have strengths and weaknesses that can undermine the quality of outcomes. The purpose of the paper is to examine the experiential and narrative family therapy, similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses. Additionally, this paper will explore the theoretical underpinnings of both approaches and their applications in real-world settings. By examining the theoretical foundations and practical applications of experiential and narrative family therapy, therapists can better understand the benefits and limitations of each approach.
Summary
Experiential family therapy utilizes imagery, role-playing, activities, and props that help family members to relive specific life experiences. The purpose is to address underlying family issues. It helps clients to experience situations from their perspectives (McKernan, 2019). It encourages family members to express their emotions and thoughts intending to develop new insights that can improve family dynamics. Another objective of experiential family therapy is to enhance communication and expression among the family members (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It helps clients to relive past experiences, thus unfold suppressed negative feelings that could trigger poor behavior. Furthermore, experiential family therapy can help family members develop empathy and understanding for one another, leading to improved relationships and communication. By exploring the underlying issues and emotions that drive behavior, family members can work towards healing and growth.
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Narrative family therapy argues that individuals have stories they can narrate, associate them with challenges and problems that assist them in ordering their thoughts and reality. When clients tell their story, they can view their experiences in a purposeful manner (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It views the challenges as independent to an individual. It helps individuals to manage their skills and abilities to lessen the issues that trigger conflict in families. Therapists believe that clients are the experts of their lives during the treatment. Therapists provide assistance and guidance in the healing process (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It argues that clients have a greater understanding of themselves and the issues they are going through. Therapists help families or individuals to understand how their experiences affected a connection and how they can improve the bond again. Moreover, narrative family therapy can help individuals reframe their experiences and develop a more positive narrative about themselves and their relationships. By reframing their experiences, individuals can gain a new perspective and develop a greater sense of control over their lives.
Comparison
Experiential and narrative family therapies focus on the expression of emotions among family members. The models seek to understand the issues affecting family members (DeMille & Montgomery, 2016). The objective of the two approaches is to enhance communication and expression to resolve problems. Experiential therapy focuses on role-playing, drawing, and imagery, while narrative family therapy focuses on verbal expression or narration. Experiential therapy argues that underlying issues and suppressed emotions are the significant causes of dysfunction (DeMille & Montgomery, 2016). Narrative family therapy argues that individuals are separate from their experiences. Furthermore, both approaches recognize the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating healing and growth. By establishing a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, therapists can help family members feel comfortable expressing themselves and working through their issues.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Experiential Family Therapy
Experiential family therapy provides clients with a comfortable environment to allow the expression of emotions. It allows therapists to determine the subconsciously presenting thoughts and emotions (Tadros et al., 2019). Clients can express their sincere thoughts and emotions since they are not involved in verbal communication. Alternative means of expression allows clients to find suitable ways of expressing themselves. An identification of the underlying issues allows clients to develop better self-esteem (Tadros et al., 2019). Experiential family therapy has weaknesses since clients may not genuinely express themselves. Some clients may be unresponsive to the suggestions from a therapist. Additionally, experiential family therapy may not be suitable for all families, particularly those with complex or severe issues. In such cases, a more structured and directive approach may be necessary.
Narrative Family Therapy
Expression of the issues allows clients to realize that they are distinct from their problems. It helps them to understand that they are not defined and limited by their problems. It prompts individuals to take control of their actions and a sense of responsibility (Tadros et al., 2019). Clients learn that their experiences should not be viewed only as unfavorable, but the situations have positive aspects. Furthermore, narrative family therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, leading to improved mental health outcomes. By reframing their experiences and developing a more positive narrative, individuals can gain a greater sense of control over their lives.
The model has weaknesses since some clients are uncomfortable in sharing their experience. Some clients may be dishonest in sharing their life stories (McKernan, 2019). Clients can be less genuine when they know they are sharing in the presence of a stranger. Additionally, narrative family therapy may not be suitable for individuals who are not verbally inclined or who struggle with articulating their thoughts and feelings. In such cases, alternative approaches such as experiential family therapy may be more effective.
Experiential Family Therapy
A family that was involved in a fire incident lost all their property and one adopted child. The traumatic events may affect the emotions and thoughts among the family members. The subconsciously held thoughts will affect communication and dynamics in the family (Russell & Gillis, 2017). A therapist will allow the members to role-play or reenact the experiences. Subconscious emotions will emerge as the family members reenact the instances. When the suppressed emotions emerge, it will be easy to guide a family towards healing. Furthermore, experiential family therapy can help the family members process their grief and develop coping strategies to manage their emotions. By working through their emotions and experiences, the family members can develop a greater sense of resilience and improve their overall well-being.
Conclusion
Experiential family therapy encourages family members to express their emotions and thoughts intending to develop new insights that can improve family dynamics. Experiential therapy argues that underlying issues and suppressed emotions are the major causes of dysfunction. It prompts individuals to take control of their actions and a sense of responsibility. Therapists should take precaution since some clients may not express themselves effectively through actions or narration. The example of an experiential family therapy shows that underlying emotional issues will affect communication and dynamics. Individuals should strive to resolve the underlying issues that will affect their emotions and alter their behavior. Additionally, therapists should be aware of the cultural and individual differences that may impact the effectiveness of experiential family therapy. By being sensitive to these differences, therapists can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each family.
Family Genogram
Below is the family genogram for Hanns family.
FAMILY GENOGRAM
Name: Family genogram
Topic: Hanns family
References
DeMille, S. M., & Montgomery, M. (2016). Integrating narrative family therapy in an outdoor behavioral healthcare program: A case study. Contemporary Family Therapy, 38(1), 3-13.
McKernan, C. J. (2019). Gestalt Experiential Therapy with Couples and Families. Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy, 1289-1291.
Russell, K. C., & Gillis, H. L. (2017). Experiential therapy in the mental health treatment of adolescents. Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 4(1), 1695.
Tadros, E., Cappetto, M., & Kaur, L. (2019). Treating symptoms of borderline personality disorder through narrative therapy and naltrexone. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 47(2), 87-101.
Johnson, S. M. (2022). Emotionally focused therapy: A review of the literature. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 48(1), 34-47.
Gehart, D. R. (2023). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and evidence-based practices. Cengage Learning.
Papero, D. V. (2024). Family therapy: An introduction to process, practice, and theory. Routledge.
