Narratives are grounded in everyday life, from our conversations to films to books. We all create and tell stories, and we listen to other people's stories. Using narrative approaches is both meaningful to people and clinically effective. This book provides a broad-ranging introduction to narrative psychology and applies narrative to professional contexts to help people develop efficient techniques to use in practical situations, including clinical and occupational psychology. It offers a rationale for the use of narrative approaches, translating core research into accessible techniques, and illustrates these approaches with practical examples across a range of areas. In turn, it details how practitioners can help people change or develop their narratives to enable them to live their lives more effectively.

‘Narrative is at the heart of meaning-making of ourselves and the world, of the human endeavour. Its importance cannot be overrated! Multi-disciplinary facts of narrative work are brought to us by this unique book from a scientifically trauma-informed author who sees through the different dimensions of the topic in a brilliant way. In Nigel Hunt’s book the reader will find a reliable compilation that settles the ramified quest for the comprehension of ‘narrative’. A reliable must-read for everyone who works with narratives in the real world.’

Maggie Schauer - Maggie Schauer, University of Konstanz, author of Narrative Exposure Therapy: A Short-Term Treatment for Traumatic Stress Disorders

‘As humans we are storytellers. Our stories of who we are and what happened to us are what give meaning to our lives. Nigel Hunt has written a wonderful book that recognises how central narrative is to the practice of psychology. His message challenges contemporary psychologists to understand the power of narrative. It is a call for new research and thinking that puts people’s stories at the centre of what works. This is a book for all applied psychologists.’

Stephen Joseph - University of Nottingham, author of Think Like a Therapist: Six Life-Changing Insights for Leading a Good Life