Narrative Therapy in Wonderland:
Connecting with Children's Imaginative Know-How
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Authors: David Marsten, LCSW, David Epston, MA, CQSW, Laurie Markham, LMFT A Popular Text for Professionals, Educators, & Parents Alike! |
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Editorial Reviews
“The vivid transcripts, exquisitely crafted questions, dramatic surprises, and insightful prose of Narrative Therapy in Wonderland demonstrates something children so intuitively know: it is in the imagination that we become the most powerful version of ourselves, a version that transcends our preconceptions, assumptions, and problems.” (PsychCentral)
“This exquisitely crafted text, written by master clinicians, initiates readers into a narrative approach that insists upon mystery and wonder as indispensible tools in the therapeutic process. Through a series of beautifully narrated vignettes from clinical practice, it showcases imagination as an 'ideal traveling companion for young people.' It is not only pitch-perfect in balancing theory, compelling exemplar, and succinct advice for therapists and parents, but also compulsively readable, a compliment generally reserved for popular novels rather than professional texts.” (Cheryl Mattingly, author of The Paradox of Hope: Journeys through a Clinical Borderland)
“This book is a treasure trove for therapists. As you turn its pages you will find bright baubles, sparkling jewels, and finely crafted gold leaf. What else would you expect in Wonderland? You will also encounter problem monsters, and children with strange powers. You must learn to counter the pathological, the dull, and the unfair, but don't worry! This book of dramatic surprises will help you immensely. Put it down at your own risk.” (John Winslade, PhD, Professor of Counseling at California State University, San Bernadino)
“From the get-go, engaging prose makes this book fun―yes, fun!―to read. Vivid transcripts reveal the powers children have when their imagination, ingenuity, and sense of humor are engaged. Creativity is central to narrative therapy, as is moving past one-size-fits-all solutions. It is refreshing to learn how the creative capacities of each child and family can be channeled towards elegant and often unique resolution of the challenges they face, and to see the 'wonderfulness' of the individual child so centrally featured. This book affirms the effectiveness of collaboration between adults and children in the realm of imaginary know-how.” (Jennifer Freeman, MFT, REAT, coauthor of Playful Approaches to Serious Problems)
“More than a must-read for clinical professionals, and more than a supportive guide to parenting, Narrative Therapy in Wonderland is a book for anyone who faces Problems and seeks strategies for overcoming them. The authors' simple yet far-reaching message is that our Problems are not in ourselves. Our Problems are out there, external and tenacious. But Problems can be outwitted, and this book shows how. Wonderland elevates narrative therapy from a professional clinical practice to a way of life.” (Arthur W. Frank, PhD, author of The Wounded Storyteller and Letting Stories Breathe)
"Narrative Therapy in Wonderland truly inspired my interest and enthusiasm for the application of this approach to my work. A few years ago, I called a young person to tell him about a therapy group to which he had been invited. When I asked if he had any questions, the only pertinent question on the tip of his tongue was ‘will it be fun?’ I believe one of the aims of this book is to answer that question and help those working with younger people (and those fully grown too) to consider why fun is an essential ingredient of helpful therapy. Each chapter is littered with case examples of how ‘fun’ can show up in a variety of ways. Following a child into whichever ‘wonderland’ their imagination currently occupies is an adventure that can never be planned and is sure to surprise. This book is an excellent addition to any psychological practitioner’s library and a captivating read." (Sophie Westwood, PhD, LIH Olivia's Place, Shanghai)
“This exquisitely crafted text, written by master clinicians, initiates readers into a narrative approach that insists upon mystery and wonder as indispensible tools in the therapeutic process. Through a series of beautifully narrated vignettes from clinical practice, it showcases imagination as an 'ideal traveling companion for young people.' It is not only pitch-perfect in balancing theory, compelling exemplar, and succinct advice for therapists and parents, but also compulsively readable, a compliment generally reserved for popular novels rather than professional texts.” (Cheryl Mattingly, author of The Paradox of Hope: Journeys through a Clinical Borderland)
“This book is a treasure trove for therapists. As you turn its pages you will find bright baubles, sparkling jewels, and finely crafted gold leaf. What else would you expect in Wonderland? You will also encounter problem monsters, and children with strange powers. You must learn to counter the pathological, the dull, and the unfair, but don't worry! This book of dramatic surprises will help you immensely. Put it down at your own risk.” (John Winslade, PhD, Professor of Counseling at California State University, San Bernadino)
“From the get-go, engaging prose makes this book fun―yes, fun!―to read. Vivid transcripts reveal the powers children have when their imagination, ingenuity, and sense of humor are engaged. Creativity is central to narrative therapy, as is moving past one-size-fits-all solutions. It is refreshing to learn how the creative capacities of each child and family can be channeled towards elegant and often unique resolution of the challenges they face, and to see the 'wonderfulness' of the individual child so centrally featured. This book affirms the effectiveness of collaboration between adults and children in the realm of imaginary know-how.” (Jennifer Freeman, MFT, REAT, coauthor of Playful Approaches to Serious Problems)
“More than a must-read for clinical professionals, and more than a supportive guide to parenting, Narrative Therapy in Wonderland is a book for anyone who faces Problems and seeks strategies for overcoming them. The authors' simple yet far-reaching message is that our Problems are not in ourselves. Our Problems are out there, external and tenacious. But Problems can be outwitted, and this book shows how. Wonderland elevates narrative therapy from a professional clinical practice to a way of life.” (Arthur W. Frank, PhD, author of The Wounded Storyteller and Letting Stories Breathe)
"Narrative Therapy in Wonderland truly inspired my interest and enthusiasm for the application of this approach to my work. A few years ago, I called a young person to tell him about a therapy group to which he had been invited. When I asked if he had any questions, the only pertinent question on the tip of his tongue was ‘will it be fun?’ I believe one of the aims of this book is to answer that question and help those working with younger people (and those fully grown too) to consider why fun is an essential ingredient of helpful therapy. Each chapter is littered with case examples of how ‘fun’ can show up in a variety of ways. Following a child into whichever ‘wonderland’ their imagination currently occupies is an adventure that can never be planned and is sure to surprise. This book is an excellent addition to any psychological practitioner’s library and a captivating read." (Sophie Westwood, PhD, LIH Olivia's Place, Shanghai)
Journal Reviews
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BACP Children & Young People
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy "This is a book packed with expertise, wisdom and interventions, and I highly recommend it." - Rachel Eastop 
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British Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 27 April, 2017
A book for many audiences
"...Although the authors state that their exploration of narrative therapy is aimed mainly at therapists, I would say that it is suitable also for teachers, for parents and for anyone else who may wish to find a more imaginative, non-confrontational way to work with children and adolescents; one which celebrates their positive rather than their negative qualities and which engages the whole family. Researchers would also find much of interest in this book, as would tutors of child, adolescent and family therapy trainings. The authors speak passionately about their particular model and have a great deal to say, which is extremely sensible..." - Rayna Shock A Special Presentation for Parents and Educators
Don't miss it! Co-authors David Marsten and Laurie Markham will address the topic, Stress and Young Adults, How Do We Help them Cope?, with ideas from their book, Narrative and Therapy in Wonderland, at the El Segundo High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 15th from 6-7:30pm. 
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