Narrative Exposure Therapy
Core Mechanism
Chronological narration of life events integrates traumatic memories (hot) into autobiographical context (cold memory)
Ontology
Trauma fragments sensory-affective memory networks disconnected from autobiographical context
Therapeutic Voice
"We're going to lay out the lifeline. Place this flower for a good time, this stone for something painful."
View of the Person
A biographical being whose traumatic memories need integration into a coherent life narrative
Evidence
WHO: mentioned for PTSD in conflict settings
15+ RCTs
Lely et al. (2019)
Strong evidence for refugees and multiply-traumatized populations.
Conditions
Epistemology
Blind Spots
Designed for multiple/organized violence — may not fit single-incident civilian trauma; limited availability outside humanitarian contexts
Contraindications
Active psychosis, imminent suicidality, active substance dependence, severe dissociation, clients who cannot tolerate chronological recounting of multiple traumatic events
Training
NET training workshop (5 days). Designed for refugees and organized violence survivors
Vivo International
35-40 hrs + supervised cases
$1.5K-3K
Equity & Cultural Adaptations
Philosophical Roots
Testimony tradition (Cienfuegos & Monelli); human rights discourse; Ricoeur (narrative identity); Breuer & Freud (catharsis through narration)
Related Modalities
Narrative Exposure Therapy in 1 Comparative Clinical Vignette
Each vignette presents the same client through multiple theoretical lenses side by side — showing how Narrative Exposure Therapy formulates presenting problems, sets treatment focus, and sounds in the consulting room compared with other approaches. This comparative pedagogy is unique to Epoché Clinical; no other clinical reference systematically formulates the same case across traditions.
Test Yourself
What is the lifeline exercise?
Show answer
Laying a rope as one's life, placing flowers and stones — then narrating each.