ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the postmodern therapies—also known as constructivist therapies. These models hold that there is no absolute truth and that meaning is created through language in conversation. Therapy focuses on a language system in which new meanings are created, leading to unexplored aspects of people that open up new alternatives. The chapter explores Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative therapy. In theory, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) therapists never need to know what the problem is that brings people to therapy. SFBT therapists utilize the therapeutic conversation to move problem talk to solution talk—a focus on what has worked for clients and discussing how they can do more of that behavior. Narrative therapy was developed by Michael White and David Epston in Australia and New Zealand. Narrative therapy thus attempts to help people bring forth these more useful and empowering untold stories. Externalization has become the hallmark of Narrative therapy.
