In this impressive edition Madigan establishes a rich philosophy and world view and so much more. He invites the reader into the therapy room for a close-up look. Madigan delivers more than a guide. He helps us consider the impact of culture and power and their potential shaping effects on our lives and relationships. He brings therapy to life as a form of political action. He takes on individualism as an insidious force that, left uninterrogated, has outsized isolating and demoralizing effects. He challenges therapists to keep a watchful eye in a way that refreshes our practice and guards against the mundane. Madigan’s book is far-reaching in its depth of thought and intimate in its application.

While White and Epston cracked upon a novel, non-pathologizing road for counseling theory and practice, Madigan’s text travels right straight through the middle of this territory taking his readers to the next stop in narrative counseling. The 3rd edition of Narrative Therapy offers a theoretically grounded text, chocked full of practical guidance for therapists.

Dr. Madigan’s book is a great read for therapists of all theoretical orientations who are serious about improving their craft. The book is an invitation for readers to consider the sociopolitical and therapeutic implications of accepting an individualistic frame of reference for understanding their work and the challenges clients present. Dr. Madigan provides a wealth of clinical examples that illustrate the therapeutic possibilities that such a reimagining affords. A helpful and important contribution to the therapeutic community’s evolving conversation.

Drawing on decades of experience, Stephen Madigan weaves a rich understanding of the history, philosophy, and clinical practice of narrative therapy. Whether you’re a student, educator, or seasoned clinician, this book provides practical guidance for applying narrative therapy with diverse populations and in diverse clinical settings.

If you’re ready to expand your therapeutic practice beyond individual concerns, Stephen Madigan’s book is an indispensable guide. He shows you how to situate clients within their social and cultural worlds, offering concrete strategies for challenging the dominant, individualistic narratives that too often limit change. As a leading voice in the field, Madigan delivers a rich, context-aware approach that empowers therapists to facilitate deeper, more meaningful connections and transformation.

Stephen Madigan’s third edition of Narrative Therapy is a powerful contribution to narrative practice in particular, and psychotherapeutic practice in general. He gives welcome recognition to the many ongoing international social and cultural contributions, which have helped keep narrative approaches relevant and important for the present day.

Stephen Madigan, PhD, holds an MSW and MSc in couple and family therapy along with his doctorate. He supervises high conflict couple therapy teams and teaches narrative therapy workshops across five continents. Dr. Madigan is an award-winning narrative therapist, best-selling therapy author, Training Director of the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy, content manager of the online learning platform VSNT.live, and long-time supervisor to numerous international high couple conflict teams. He wrote the first ever doctoral dissertation on narrative therapy and his therapy work is studied in graduate university programs across the world through various media forms such as the American Psychological Association’s production of a set of six professional learning videos filming his live narrative practice. He wrote the best-selling first and second editions of the book Narrative Therapy, published in 2011 and 2019. Dr. Madigan is the proud father of 29-year-old twin daughters and a ‘retired’ member of Canada’s National Ultimate Frisbee Team.