ABSTRACT

In order to facilitate reattribution and the development of a new narrative, it is useful to follow this sequence: The therapist and client(s) identify an issue in which one former partner finds fault with the other or there is mutual fault-finding. Even though former spouses who come to therapy during or following a divorce are often engaged in a substantial level of conflict, the use of reattribution and narrative change can typically be used to prompt change in session. From a narrative perspective, the re-authoring of one’s story to include neglected, but important, aspects of the dominant narrative can create a starting point for creating change. In a related but more directive frame, reattribution involves changing the meaning given to events and behaviors so other ways of viewing an experience can be better considered. A process goal of treatment when utilizing reattribution and narrative change is for the therapist to help former partners modify narratives that describe events.