Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
What is NET?
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a structured, trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process and integrate distressing life experiences into a cohesive narrative. By creating a chronological account of your life story, NET allows you to confront traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This approach is particularly effective for those who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, offering a pathway to healing and recovery. ​
NET requires the client to recount the trauma(s) they have experienced, in detail. This is most useful for someone who is experiencing daily reminders of the past. This starts with the earliest memory and goes right up until the present day. Unlike more therapies, treatment sessions are 90 minutes long, this is to ensure there is proper time to complete the retelling of each trauma event.
How NET Works
NET typically unfolds in a series of structured sessions, each focused on a specific aspect of your life story:
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1. Creating a Timeline: You work with your therapist to construct a chronological timeline of your life, marking significant events, both positive and traumatic.
2. Revisiting Trauma: Together, you recount traumatic events in detail, processing the associated emotions and reframing their impact within the broader context of your life.
3. Integration and Closure: By the end of therapy, you’ll have a coherent narrative that helps you understand your experiences and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.
NET emphasises empowerment through storytelling, allowing you to reclaim control over your narrative and reduce the emotional intensity of past trauma.
Who Can Benefit from NET?
NET is particularly effective for:
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• Trauma survivors (e.g., individuals who have experienced war, natural disasters, or abuse)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
• Individuals coping with grief or loss
• Those struggling with feelings of detachment, emotional numbness, flashbacks or hypervigilance
• People who have experienced multiple or prolonged traumatic events, such as refugees or survivors of chronic abuse
NET is ideal for anyone seeking to make sense of their past and rebuild a sense of safety and stability in their life.
Scientific Evidence
NET was originally developed for trauma survivors in conflict zones and has since been adapted for broader use. Research published in Trauma, Violence, & Abuse highlights its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly for individuals exposed to repeated trauma. Studies show that NET improves emotional processing and reduces hyperarousal, making it a valuable tool for long-term trauma recovery.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends NET for individuals with PTSD, especially those in low-resource settings, due to its structured and accessible nature. Its foundation in storytelling resonates deeply across diverse cultural contexts, offering a universal framework for healing.
How NET Helps: Real-Life Scenarios
1. Reclaiming Control After Abuse
A survivor of prolonged childhood abuse struggles with feelings of shame and disconnection. In NET, they recount their experiences within the broader context of their life story, recognising moments of resilience and strength. Through processing the past memories they are able to experience them as less distressing, begin to reframe the narrative, reducing self-blame and reclaim a sense of agency.
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2. Healing From Loss
Someone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one feels stuck in overwhelming grief. In NET, they process the traumatic event while also reflecting on meaningful moments with the person they lost. This helps them integrate the loss into their life story, reducing the intensity of grief and allowing them to move forward with a sense of closure and peace.
Related Blog Articles
• “How Storytelling Heals: The Power of Narrative Exposure Therapy”
• “Understanding PTSD and How NET Can Help”
• “The Lifeline Exercise: How NET Helps You Map Your Healing Journey”
Start Your NET Journey
Narrative Exposure Therapy offers a compassionate space to process your past and create a coherent narrative that empowers you to move forward. If you’re ready to explore how NET can help, contact Arcadian Clinic today and begin your journey toward healing and resilience.