Statement of position map

Statement of position map

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Short definition

The statement of position map is a narrative questioning structure that helps people name a problem, evaluate its effects, explain their position and identify preferred responses.

Level

LEVEL 4 — TECHNIQUES AND INTERVENTIONS

Expanded definition

The statement of position map is associated with Michael White's maps of narrative practice.

It offers a structured way to help people take a position in relation to a problem and its effects.

The map usually includes four movements:

1. Naming or describing the problem.
2. Mapping the effects of the problem.
3. Evaluating the effects.
4. Justifying the evaluation by linking it to values, hopes or commitments.

This structure helps people move from describing a problem to taking an ethical and personal position on what the problem is doing in their lives.

It can prepare the ground for resistance, agency and preferred story development.

Purpose of this technique

The purpose of the statement of position map is to support people to evaluate the problem's effects and clarify where they stand.

It helps separate the person from the problem while also inviting agency, values and commitment.

It is especially useful when people feel overwhelmed, confused or unsure whether they are allowed to object to the problem's influence.

When to use this technique

Use this technique when:

• a problem has been externalised
• the problem's effects need mapping
• the person is ready to evaluate those effects
• values or commitments need to be made visible
• the therapist wants to move from description to position
• the conversation needs structure and clarity

How to use this technique

Start by naming the problem in language that fits the person.

Ask about the effects of the problem on life, relationships, identity or future possibilities.

Invite the person to evaluate these effects: Are they okay with them? Do they object? Would they prefer something different?

Then ask why they take that position.

The justification often reveals values, hopes, commitments and preferred identity.

Example prompts / questions

• What name would you give this problem?
• What effects has it had on your life?
• What has it been getting in the way of?
• Are you okay with these effects?
• What do you think about what the problem has been doing?
• Why do you take that position?
• What does your position say about what matters to you?
• What would you prefer instead?

Non-clinical example

A student names "the pressure" as the problem.

They map its effects on sleep, confidence and friendships.

When asked whether they are okay with these effects, they say no. Their reason is that learning and friendship matter to them.

The statement of position map reveals values that can guide next steps.

Clinical example

A family names "the blame cycle" as the problem.

They map its effects on trust, closeness and communication.

The family evaluates the effects as harmful and explains that they want more respect and repair.

This creates a shared position against the cycle rather than against one another.

What this technique can open up

The statement of position map can open up:

• externalising conversations
• problem influence mapping
• values exploration
• resistance and agency
• preferred story development
• therapeutic documentation
• future action planning

Risks, cautions and ethical considerations

The therapist should not pressure the person to take a position before they are ready.

Some people may feel conflicted about the problem's effects, especially when the problem has also served protective functions.

The therapist should allow ambivalence and complexity.

Evaluation should be grounded in the person's own values, not the therapist's assumptions.

Questions before using this technique

• Has the problem been named in experience-near language?
• Is the person ready to evaluate the problem's effects?
• What areas of life should be mapped?
• How can I invite position without pressure?
• What values may be hidden in the person's evaluation?

Questions during use

• Is the person separating themselves from the problem?
• Are the effects becoming clear?
• Is evaluation emerging naturally?
• What values support the person's position?
• Are complexity and ambivalence being respected?

Questions after use

• What position did the person take?
• What values or commitments became visible?
• What preferred response might follow?
• Should this position be documented?
• What method could develop the preferred story further?

Related epistemologies

Narrative epistemology Social constructionism Poststructuralist epistemology Relational epistemology

Related schools and models

Narrative Therapy Systemic Therapy

Related concepts

Externalisation Problem influence Person influence Values Agency Resistance Preferred story Problem as separate from person

Related methods

Externalising conversation Problem influence mapping Person influence mapping Values exploration Preferred story development

Related pathways

Narrative pathway

Key theorists / contributors

Michael White David Epston Alice Morgan

Key texts / references

• White, M. (2007). Maps of Narrative Practice. Norton.
• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton.
• Morgan, A. (2000). What Is Narrative Therapy? An Easy-to-Read Introduction. Dulwich Centre Publications.

Notes / source material

The statement of position map helps people move from problem description to ethical evaluation and preferred response. It should remain collaborative and grounded in the person's own values.

Review status

Status: Open for review

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