How are personal stories viewed in the context of narrative therapy?

In narrative therapy, personal stories are considered vital to understanding identity and facilitating change because they help individuals make sense of their experiences and how they perceive themselves. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of narratives in shaping a person's identity. By exploring and re-examining these narratives, clients can identify patterns that may not serve them well and re-author their stories in a way that supports their goals and values.

The process allows individuals to separate their identity from the problems they face, enabling them to see their challenges as just one part of a larger story. As they work through their narratives, they can discover strengths and resources that may have been overlooked. This transformative aspect underlines the potency of personal stories in instigating change and promoting a deeper understanding of one's self, which is a key component of narrative therapy.