ABSTRACT
Problem exploration in narrative therapy is not simply narrative therapy’s equivalent to assessment. There is overlap with other therapeutic approaches in terms of the therapist exploring the quality of difficulties, the history of the concerns, and how the person is affected. However, the narrative therapist is not working to see how the person’s difficulties fit with models or theories of mental health. Rather, problem exploration is a re-orientating of the person (and the therapist) in terms of how they view the problem. In narrative therapy, the purpose of problem exploration is to work towards an appreciation of the person’s understanding of the problem. As with other therapies, the principles and assumptions of narrative therapy inform the assessment methods. Therefore, this chapter will begin by looking at these assumptions and principles, and how they inform practice.
