Why NET - Narrative Exposure Therapy?

Introduction to Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

NET is an evidence-based therapy designed to treat individuals who have experienced multiple traumas, particularly for refugees, survivors of war, and those who experienced interpersonal violence such as domestic abuse.

NET aims to integrate traumatic experiences into the individual's life story in a way that promotes healing and resilience.

How Does NET Work?

As first steps we establish safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship, NET involves creating a timeline of your life, including events that promoted resilience and sense of safety, but also traumatic events and losses.

Through guided storytelling and narration, the goal is to support you to process and integrate your experiences in a safe environment. This narrative process allows for the gradual integration of traumatic memories and the development of a coherent life story, with the final objective of empowering individuals to re-author their life stories.

Core Principles of NET

NET operates over the core principles of Emotional Processing Theory (Lang 1977, Foa and Kozak 1986), this model suggests that PTSD arises from a stable and broadly generalized fear network in memory.

Exposure to traumatic memories in a safe environment helps not only to habituate the Fear (reduce emotional reactivity), but also modifying how the trauma-related information is stored, reducing intrusive symptoms and avoidance.

Who can benefit from NET?

NET is an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD. It's particularly designed for individuals with complex trauma histories and those who may have difficulty accessing or engaging in traditional talk therapies (e.g. language barriers).

What happens in the first NET sessions?

In the initial sessions, after an assessment of your individual experience and symptoms we will introduce the NET process, review its purpose and goals.

NET starts with a biographical overview of the individual's life span, symbolized through a technique called the lifeline. In this exercise, key life events are represented through the use of symbols.

This lifeline exercise, usually concluded in one session, provides an overview or 'map' of the subsequent therapeutic work.

What to expect during NET sessions

During NET sessions, you are guided through the process of narrating your traumatic experiences chronologically in the safe therapeutic environment.

Sensory details, thoughts, and emotions associated with each event are explored at the peace agreed. Emotional processing through the narration can also be facilitated with the use of specific techniques.

Pros and Cons of NET

Pros of NET include its evidence-based nature, effectiveness in treating complex trauma, and focus on empowering individuals. For people who experienced a recurrence of traumatic experience there is no need to choose one single event to address as you are allowed to reflect on your life.

However, NET requires significant time and commitment from both, and some people may find the process distressing or triggering initially.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post!

Please share your feedback or ask any questions you might have about Narrative Exposure Therapy in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to integrate your life experiences and rediscover resilience?

NET provides a structured approach to integrating traumatic experiences into your life story, fostering healing and resilience. If you're prepared to embark on a journey towards understanding and transforming your traumatic experiences, reach out today to learn more or schedule a session for a holistic approach including NET.

Let's collaborate to write this narration together.