Which of the following best describes the main goal of narrative therapy?

The primary goal of narrative therapy is to help individuals understand and change their personal narratives. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the stories people tell about their lives and how these stories shape their identities and experiences. By exploring and re-authoring these narratives, clients can gain insight into their situations, recognize patterns, and ultimately reshape their perceptions and behaviors toward a more empowered view of themselves.

Focusing on the narrative allows clients to separate themselves from the problems they face, framing challenges as external issues rather than intrinsic flaws. This process can foster a sense of control and agency, enabling clients to envision alternative paths and possibilities based on their values and aspirations.

In contrast, eliminating all negative experiences is not realistic and does not align with the therapeutic goals of narrative therapy, which acknowledges that challenges are a part of life. Exclusively focusing on family dynamics ignores the broader context of an individual's life story, and reducing the need for social interaction runs counter to the aim of enhancing personal agency and building relationships, both of which are important elements in narrative therapy.