Externalizing the Problem Through Cartoons: A Case Example

Externalizing Problems Through Art and Writing: Experience of Process and Helpfulness

“…The use of visual arts in narrative therapy is depicted in several published accounts. A key function of art in these accounts is externalization, as proposed by Carlson (1997) and demonstrated by Ball et al (1993) in their use of cartoons to illustrate problems, and Barton and Bischoff (1998) in their use of rocks to represent the weight and component parts of complex problems. Other uses of art in narrative therapy include: highlighting differences (Ball et al, 1993); eliciting unique outcome, or times that differ from the problem-saturated story (Carlson, 1997); or to help clients distinguish their symptoms from enduring personal characteristics (Fristad, Gavazzi, & Soldano, 1999).…”

“…Story development can also be facilitated through art, whether by clarifying themes (Ball et al, 1993), bringing forth dominant stories (Carlson, 1997), or performing new stories for an audience (Carlson, 1997). Art forms are also adaptable to a variety of clients, including members of various ethnic or cultural groups.…”

“…Narrative therapy has been established in the vocabularies of therapists and others in the helping professions through the proliferation of articles and books describing its theoretical/epistemological basis, clinical approach, and case applications (Freedman & Combs, 1996;Parry & Doan, 1994;White & Epston, 1990). A number of clinician-researchers have also written about alternative means of externalization (Ball, Piercy, & Bischoff, 1993;Barton & Bischoff, 1998;Bermudez & Bermudez, 2002;Carlson, 1997;Zimmerman & Shepherd, 1993), lending credence to the idea that externalization adapts well to alternative forms of representation, such as art, writing, and experiential methods. Based on this literature and our own experiences and inclinations, we were especially intrigued by the potential uses for art and writing in narrative therapy applications.…”

Indian Women’s Experience of a Narrative Intervention Using Art And Writing*

“…Clinicians have written about the use of art in narrative approaches to externalize problems and increase agency (Ball, Piercy, & Bischoff, 1993;Carlson, 1997;Barton & Bischoff, 1998;Bermudez & Bermudez, 2002). In addition, narrative therapists write letters to their clients~to externalize problems and develop unique outcomes (i.e., times when problems are less noticeable or absent) and resources (White & Epston, 1990).…”

Using Art in Narrative Therapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Possibilities

“…They state that "one must have a convincing picture to show others" (p. 111) and that "change is acknowledged when it contributes to the moral picture of the family" (p. 112). Having an actual picture to show significant others is a powerful tool for change (Ball, Piercy, & Bischof, 1993;Zimmerman & Shepherd, 1993). Although these two approaches to therapy have roots in entirely different schools of thought, there are some visible similarities.…”