Mediação narrativa: uma abordagem diferenciada para a resolução de conflitos / Narrative mediation: a distinctive approach to conflict resolution

Este artigo apresenta uma visão geral dos fundamentos teóricos e das práticas específicas da mediação narrativa. Os pressupostos pós-modernos e do construcionismo social são apresentados, seguidos pelas práticas de conversa de externalização, dupla escuta, mapeamento dos efeitos e a construção da contra-história no trabalho narrativo. O objetivo principal deste artigo é mostrar como a criação de um novo espaço relacional, usando os métodos narrativos, cria o ambiente para a obtenção de um entendimento mútuo, um fator necessário para se chegar às negociações satisfatórias e bem sucedidas, assim como em compromissos duradouros.(AU)

This article provides an overview of the theoretical foundations and specific practices of narrative mediation. The postmodern and social constructionist assumptions are introduced followed by the practices of externalizing conversation, double listening, mapping the effects, and counter story construction in narrative work. The primary thrust of the article is on how the creation of a new relational space using the narrative method sets the stage for the attainment of mutual understanding, a necessary factor in achieving satisfying and successful negotiations and lasting settlements.(AU)

Moving beyond the blame game: toward a discursive approach to negotiating conflict within couple relationships.

The concept of discourse is an important tool in negotiating conflict and facilitating conversations within therapy. This article offers a useful framework for negotiating conflict in a couple relationship by highlighting the manner in which individual's expectations are mutually emergent from particular discursive positions. Specific discursive practices and approaches that make more visible the cultural production of conflicts are presented via a case illustration. These practices provide more freedom to couples in relationships to explore conflicts with less totalizing descriptions of the other as blameworthy. In addition, a discursive analysis of conflict invites therapists to be more intentional, reflexive, and socially responsible in their work.

Sociopolitical activist or conversational partner? Distinguishing the position of the therapist in narrative and collaborative therapies.

In this article, we explore the similarities and differences of two contemporary family therapy approaches: narrative and collaborative therapies. These therapies are contrasted by describing positioning of the narrative practitioner as sociopolitical activist and the collaborative practitioner as conversational partner. The article begins with a brief overview of the two therapies. Subsequently, we outline their epistemological genealogies and the practice similarities that arise from the theoretical assumptions underpinning these therapies. The remainder of the article addresses the theoretical and therapeutic differences in narrative and collaborative approaches reflected in the positioning of therapist as either sociopolitical activist or conversational partner. While narrative and collaborative approaches share more similarities than differences in relation to their emphasis on the constitutive characteristics of language, focus on sociorelational contexts, and critique of singular objective truths, prominence is given to the starker contrasts in narrative and collaborative understandings of politics, power, dialogue, and discourse. It is proposed that by outlining some provocative contrasts between narrative and collaborative approaches, new conversations and generative practices will emerge in the therapy room.