Making Meaning in Mythology: Incorporating Lore, Legend and Myth Using Narrative Therapy

There is something pure, universal and authentic about the language of myth and symbolism which transcends societal expectations and demands. Merging beautifully into this language is that of the narrative. Representing the client’s truth, the narrative is often illustrated through myth and fairy tale. With the therapist serving a supportive role in the client’s story, “fairy tale carries us back to this primordial kind of attention, the attention we gave the world when everything was ‘for the first time’.” Living in a society that revolves around modernity, the post-modern narrative therapy approach provides a refreshing lens from which to work with child and adolescent clients as they explore, and re-write, their own life narratives.

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how to utilize mythology and metaphor in narrative therapy.
2. Briefly discuss common stories of myth and metaphor for: various age populations (children/adolescents/adults), regional and geographical lore, and legends grounded in cultures. Identify a list of resources for finding myths/metaphors which can be used in the therapy process.
3. Demonstrate six specific therapy techniques incorporating mythology, metaphor and storytelling.