Which technique involves breaking down established meanings to construct new narratives?

• A. Deconstruction and Reauthoring
• B. Social Model and Problem Solving
• C. Empowering Techniques and Gender Role Analysis
• D. Homework Assignment and Two-Chair Techniques

Answer: (A)

Breaking down established meanings to construct new narratives is a hallmark of a narrative therapy approach that uses deconstruction and reauthoring. In deconstruction, clients examine the stories they’ve internalized—how problems are defined, what counts as a “self,” and who has authority over those meanings. This step shows that these interpretations aren’t fixed and can be reframed. Then reauthoring invites the client to co-create alternative storylines that align with their values, strengths, and desired future, effectively rewriting their narrative. Because this approach explicitly pairs unpicking old meanings with building new ones, it’s the best fit for the prompt. Other options touch on problem-solving, empowerment, or specific techniques, but they don’t center on breaking down meanings and reconstructing a person’s story in the same way.