ABSTRACT
Externalizing conversations are one of the central features of narrative therapy. In order to conduct meaningful externalizing conversations, therapists must step into a world view where they genuinely perceive problems as separate from people, and develop skill at asking questions that are based in that perception. According to White: The form of inquiry that is employed during externalizing conversations can be likened to investigative reporting. The primary goal of investigative reporting is to develop an expose on the corruption associated with abuses of power and privilege. Perhaps the only significant contraindication to pursuing an externalizing conversation is the absence of a highly problematic internalized problem definition. If a couple comes to therapy with a clearly defined intention or purpose, and there are no ossified obstacles, it might be superfluous to pursue an externalizing conversation. In developing an externalizing conversation, therapists use language that describes problems as objects or entities located outside of people and operating on those people.
