Michael White – The Reauthor

Origins & Background

Michael White, an Australian social worker and family therapist, co-founded Narrative Therapy with David Epston. Deeply influenced by anthropology and literary theory, White viewed identity as shaped by the stories people tell about their lives. He believed therapy should help individuals re-author those stories in ways that highlight resilience and meaning.

Health vs. Dysfunction

White defined psychological health as the ability to live out alternative narratives rooted in strength, intention, and connection to personal values. Dysfunction, in contrast, arises when dominant cultural or problem-saturated narratives take over a person’s identity and limit their sense of agency.

Theory of Change

Change occurs when clients identify and author preferred stories that reflect their values and hopes. Through "externalizing the problem," clients separate themselves from the issue, creating space to reclaim personal identity and purpose.

Nature of Therapy

White believed therapy was a political and cultural act, and that therapists must question the power of norms and labels. He facilitated conversations that positioned clients as experts on their own lives, using metaphor and curiosity to spark transformation.

Role of the Therapist

The therapist is a collaborative conversational partner, helping clients explore meaning, challenge assumptions, and build more empowering narratives. Therapists avoid interpretation and focus on genuine inquiry.

Assessment & Goals

Assessment involves exploring dominant narratives, cultural discourses, and the language clients use to describe their lives. Goals include reclaiming authorship, building preferred stories, and strengthening identity through community and meaning.

Treatment Planning

White's treatment approach includes identifying problems, mapping their effects, locating unique outcomes, and thickening alternative stories. Plans focus on narrative practices that help clients stay connected to their values.

Typical Interventions

Common interventions include externalizing the problem, re-authoring conversations, double listening, therapeutic letter writing, and "definitional ceremonies," where clients share their story with a supportive audience.

Cultural Considerations

Narrative Therapy deeply respects cultural identity and challenges dominant discourses. White emphasized listening for cultural context, validating local knowledge, and creating space for marginalized voices to reclaim their stories.