The Power of Narrative Therapy in the Journey of Motherhood
LUCIA AGULLA, MA, RCC, VITALITY COLLECTIVE VANCOUVER THERAPIST & REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Motherhood is a profound journey that reshapes a person's life, introducing them to a world of love, joy, and boundless responsibilities. However, amidst the bliss, there are moments of doubt, challenges to one's identity, and societal pressures that can overshadow the transformative nature of this experience. Mental health challenges can also be a part of this life transition, even if we have not experienced them before, like postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Meanwhile, narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the power of storytelling and the construction of personal narratives in shaping one's identity and lived experiences. In this post, we will explore how narrative therapy can be an impactful approach when dealing with some of the most common issues faced in motherhood, focusing on how it can empower people to transform their narratives surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood.
Narrative therapy is rooted in the social constructionist perspective, which suggests that individuals make meaning of their experiences through language and storytelling. It acknowledges that there are multiple perspectives and interpretations of reality, highlighting the importance of individual narratives in shaping one's identity and actions, and how crucial cultural and social norms and expectations are in the construction of those narratives. Some theorists would go as far as stating that there is no unity in our identity, proposing different models of multiple identities working at the same time. In essence, narrative therapy recognizes that our stories shape our reality, emphasizing the power of culture, language, and storytelling in shaping our identity and lived experiences.
When we explore the narratives surrounding motherhood, we are opening a door for people to redefine their roles, reclaim their agency, and foster resilience. This way of thinking about sociocultural constructions enables us to approach motherhood narratives as living things, that are not fixed or predetermined; they are stories waiting to be written, and then rewritten all over again. Narrative therapy encourages people who are navigating these waters to externalize their experiences, separating themselves from any negative narratives that may undermine their self-esteem or sense of self. By gaining a fresh perspective, people can then collaboratively reauthor their narratives, creating empowering stories that reflect their strengths, aspirations, and values.
Most people would agree that motherhood brings forth a profound shift in a person’s identity. While some embrace this change seamlessly, others may experience a sense of loss or struggle with reconciling their new role with their pre-motherhood self. In this case, narrative therapy offers a safe space for mothers to explore and reconcile these identity shifts. By unpacking the stories they tell themselves, people can identify the values and aspects of their identity that they want to preserve and integrate them into their newfound role as a mother.
Additionally, narrative therapy can also provide a therapeutic platform for people to navigate the emotional landscapes that this experience brings forward and discover their authentic selves amidst the chaos of multiple of emotions, fears, and expectations. Through collaborative storytelling, people can express their joys, fears, and vulnerabilities, giving voice to the complexity of their experiences. This way, they gain insight, resilience, and a deeper understanding of their own strengths and capacities.
At the same time, societal expectations and cultural norms often impose unrealistic standards on women in their journey through motherhood. A mom that goes back to work will be subject to certain comments, while a stay-at-home mom will also be faced with others’ opinions. It seems that society at large has lots to say about how women manage their bodies, time, careers, and relations. Narrative therapy empowers women to challenge and redefine these expectations, helping them to recognize their individual needs, aspirations, and desires. When they embrace their unique narratives, women can resist the pressure to conform and craft a motherhood experience that aligns with their own values and priorities.
In this sense, narrative therapy in the context of motherhood also aligns with feminist principles, acknowledging and addressing the systemic challenges women face in their roles as mothers. It challenges traditional narratives that often depict motherhood as solely defined by self-sacrifice and conformity to societal norms, as well as the role of men in parenting and caring tasks. By engaging in narrative therapy, women reclaim their agency and challenge the patriarchal constructs that limit their choices and experiences. It provides a space for women to navigate the complexities of motherhood while challenging oppressive narratives, fostering resilience, and working towards a more inclusive and empowering vision of motherhood for all.
As a catalyst for personal growth, self-compassion, and empowerment, narrative therapy unlocks the transformative potential of motherhood, encouraging people to redefine their identities, challenge societal expectations, and embrace their unique narratives. By reclaiming agency over their stories, people can navigate the transformative journey of motherhood with authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion. Let us embark on this narrative-driven adventure, working collaboratively as we craft narratives of strength, growth, and joy amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.