Michael White (psychotherapist)

Michael White photo

Michael White (29 December 1948 – 4 April 2008) was an influential Australian psychotherapist, social worker, and co-founder of narrative therapy. With his colleague, David Epston, White developed narrative therapy in the 1980s. This approach to psychotherapy and counseling focuses on the stories that people use to describe their lives. White believed that by changing the narrative, individuals could alter their perception of their lives and thus their lives themselves.

Biography

Michael White was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and initially trained as a social worker at the University of South Australia. Throughout his career, he was deeply involved in the mental health field, working in various settings including family therapy centers, hospitals, and private practice. White's interest in the narrative aspects of people's lives led him to explore ways in which stories influence identity, behavior, and social relationships.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy, the approach White co-developed, is based on the concept that people construct their identities through narrative. According to this view, individuals give meaning to their experiences by weaving them into stories. These narratives shape their actions, choices, and interactions with others. Narrative therapy aims to help clients identify their values and the skills associated with them, enabling individuals to re-author their stories in a way that reflects these values and skills more closely.

In narrative therapy, the therapist and client work together to identify and explore the narratives that dominate the client's life. This process involves recognizing "problem-saturated" stories and developing alternative narratives that are more empowering. The approach is collaborative and non-pathologizing, focusing on people as separate from their problems.

Key Contributions

White's contributions to psychotherapy extend beyond the development of narrative therapy. He was also known for his work on externalizing problems, where issues are treated as separate from the person. This technique allows individuals to address their problems more objectively and less personally, reducing the sense of blame and stigma.

White traveled extensively, teaching and sharing his approach to narrative therapy worldwide. He authored several influential texts on the subject, including Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends (1990) and Maps of Narrative Practice (2007). These works have been seminal in spreading the narrative therapy approach and have influenced practitioners across various disciplines.

Legacy

Michael White's legacy in the field of psychotherapy is significant. His innovative approach to therapy has not only provided therapists with a powerful tool for helping clients but has also influenced thinking in areas such as family therapy, community work, and education. Narrative therapy continues to be a popular and effective form of therapy, practiced in many parts of the world.

White's work emphasized the importance of listening to and valuing people's stories, a principle that has broad applications beyond therapy, in fostering understanding and empathy in everyday life.

Death

Michael White passed away on 4 April 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of psychotherapy. His work continues to inspire and influence practitioners and scholars in narrative therapy and related fields.