In Narrative Therapy externalization, how is the client encouraged to phrase the problem?

• A. Reframe the problem as something the client lives with rather than an inherent part of self.
• B. Blame others for the problem.
• C. Suppress emotions to cope.
• D. Rely on medication to reduce symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Externalization in Narrative Therapy treats the problem as something outside the person that affects them, not as an inherent part of who they are. The client is guided to phrase the problem as something they live with rather than something that defines their self. For example, they might say, “the problem of anxiety is shaping my decisions” instead of “I am anxious.” This wording helps separate identity from the issue, reducing self-blame and opening space for action and change. It invites the client to name influences, track how the problem has been influencing life, and identify exceptions or moments when they were able to act differently, which supports rebuilding their story with greater agency.

Choosing to blame others, suppress emotions, or rely solely on medication doesn’t align with this approach. Blaming others keeps the focus on external people rather than the problem as a distinct force the person can negotiate with. Suppressing emotions contradicts the idea of naming and examining the problem’s impact. Relying on medication addresses symptom relief or medical treatment rather than reframing how the problem is experienced and talked about in daily life.