What is Narrative Theory?
What is Narrative Theory?
Narrative Theory (NT) is a system (a theory) for understanding human experience as well as transforming it for a deeper, more fulfilling life. NT combines psychology, psychotherapy and Buddhist philosophy (particularly Zen) into one coherent model. It is particularly useful in understanding how we experience the world on a day-to-day basis, exploring the fundamental building blocks of “feelings” and thought, and mapping the progression of experience and conflict.
Who is NT designed for?
NT is designed for individuals and couples. It’s a useful system for understanding yourself and your patterns of thinking, feeling, and the outcomes related to them. It’s also useful for understanding others, for the curious, for therapist, and for those interested in the human experience in general, like myself. NT can also help disentangle social dynamics, especially those involving conflict, such as partnerships, work environments, and political rivalries.
Beyond mere understanding, mapping, and codifying, NT is also useful for making changes to these patterns, whether it’s feeling different, having better outcomes, or better communication and empathy.
What are the 2 parts to NT?
Part I of NT is called Theoretical Narrative Theory. It involves the classification, organization, and simplification of human experience. Narrative plays a central role in that understanding.
Part II of NT is called Practical Narrative Theory. It’s concerns with the modification of narrative and narrative dynamics and the world narrative creates.
What is the central thesis of NT, so I can decide if I want to keep reading?
NT is focused on tracking one’s thinking about certain objects (called “targets”) including one’s thoughts about themselves, their partners, situations, and others. It monitors how that thinking changes over time, and how our experience of the world and even ourselves changes over time, almost like the weather. It includes tools for examining and modifying those narratives and even overcoming them altogether with the use of a meditative practice.
By studying NT, my hope is that you’ll have substantially great clarity and precision in understanding yourself, your relationships, your experience of life, and the world around you. You’ll also have the tools to tinker with things when needed, and to experiment with leaving them completely alone.