Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that views people’s lives as shaped by their stories. For those facing low social status or income, it offers a way to reframe how they perceive and interact with these circumstances. The core idea is that by retelling one’s story, focusing on resilience, strengths, and values, individuals can reshape how they see themselves and their lives, shifting from a narrative of shame or failure to one of purpose and agency. Here’s how narrative therapy works in addressing these specific issues: 1. Externalising Problems One of the foundational practices in narrative therapy is to externalise the problem. This means seeing “poverty” or “low income” as an external issue rather than a personal failing. For instance, instead of saying “I am poor,” one might say, “I am dealing with poverty,” which separates the individual from the economic hardship. This shift encourages viewing economic struggle as a societal challenge, not an individual flaw. 2. Re-authoring Identity Narrative therapy helps individuals challenge the dominant societal narratives that often label low-income people as “less successful” or “unworthy.” By identifying alternative stories—such as stories of resilience, creativity, or family support—the therapy supports individuals in seeing themselves through a more compassionate and empowered lens. This can involve recalling and highlighting past successes, acts of resourcefulness, or moments of pride, which might have been overshadowed by societal stigma. 3. Uncovering Cultural Narratives and Social Power Structures The narrative approach also encourages individuals to recognise and question societal and cultural narratives that influence feelings of worth. By exploring how society tends to equate financial success with personal worth, individuals can gain clarity on how much of their shame might stem from cultural beliefs rather than personal truths. This awareness can open doors to redefine what success and worth mean on a personal level, independent of income. 4. Identifying Unique Outcomes In narrative therapy, “unique outcomes” refer to moments that defy the dominant story. For example, despite low income, an individual might have found ways to support family members or contribute meaningfully to their community. These unique outcomes become points of strength, demonstrating qualities like compassion, dedication, and resilience that may not be valued by mainstream narratives but are crucial to a fulfilling life. 5. Building Preferred Identities and Futures Narrative therapy encourages people to envision a “preferred story”—a version of their life where they see themselves as valuable and capable, regardless of income level. It may involve setting goals that align with values, such as helping others, building community, or achieving personal growth, rather than income-based goals. By focusing on meaningful aspirations beyond social or economic status, this approach empowers individuals to live according to their personal values rather than society’s expectations. 6. Reconnecting with Purpose and Community Engaging in narrative therapy can also help individuals connect with others who share similar experiences, leading to a sense of community. Working with a therapist to rewrite personal narratives often encourages social involvement or activism. This can foster a sense of purpose, as individuals realize they can contribute to social change and reduce stigma, benefiting others in similar situations. Example Practice: Writing Letters to the Problem In narrative therapy, clients sometimes write letters addressing their struggles. For instance, writing a letter to “poverty” could allow someone to express their frustrations, assert their strengths, and describe how they have coped with this challenge. This practice can further solidify the separation between one’s identity and the external issue. Why Narrative Therapy Can Be Effective for Low Income or Low Status Issues By reshaping stories of hardship into stories of endurance, dignity, and self-worth, narrative therapy provides an empowering approach to address the unique challenges of living with low income or social status. It encourages individuals to embrace their identities beyond social or economic labels, helping them find strength in their values, relationships, and actions that extend beyond financial considerations. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Digital index]]