Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What type of therapy focuses on the narrative and how meaning is shaped through social interactions?

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

2. Humanistic Therapy

3. Social Constructionism

4. Structural Therapy

The correct answer is: Social Constructionism

Social Constructionism is focused on how individuals construct meanings and realities through social interactions and cultural contexts. This therapeutic perspective emphasizes that our understanding and interpretation of experiences are not solely based on objective truths but are shaped by the narratives we develop within a social framework. In therapy, this means that practitioners help clients explore how their identities and stories are influenced by various social structures, relationships, and cultural narratives. By examining these constructed meanings, clients can gain insight into their lives and potentially reshape their narratives for a healthier mindset and improved outcomes. The other therapy types do not center on the social construction of meaning as their primary focus. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for instance, concentrates on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, aiming to change unhelpful cognitive patterns. Humanistic Therapy prioritizes personal growth and self-actualization, emphasizing individual experiences and feelings but does not focus on the social aspect of narrative construction. Structural Therapy addresses family dynamics and organization but is less about the narratives shaped by social interactions.