Narrative therapy originated out of "Child and Family Therapy" however it has proven beneficial in the support of children and adults. This is a method that keeps the person with the problem, in the position of the expert, with regards to the knowledge of the problem and with the ability to recognize where the solutions lie.  The therapist aids by assisting the individual to identify how they are already active in finding solutions to the problem. Narrative therapy has been noted as being effective in the support of those with issues of trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and grief.

Externalizing the problem is an important first step in addressing the concern. This is achieves by identifying the problem in a manner that it can be seen to be separate from the identity of the individual.

‘’Externalizing Conversations…This makes it possible for people to experience an identity that is separate from the problem; the problem becomes the problem, not the person.  In the context of externalizing conversations, the problem ceases to represent the ‘truth’ about people’s identities and successful problem resolution suddenly becomes visible and accessible.”

Michael White (Maps of Narrative Practice)