Identity Conclusions

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Short definition

Identity conclusions are the understandings people develop about who they are based on the stories they tell about their lives, their relationships and their experiences.

Expanded definition

Narrative Therapy proposes that people do not simply experience events—they interpret them. As experiences are linked together over time, people begin drawing conclusions about themselves. These conclusions shape identity.

Identity conclusions are rarely formed from a single event. Instead, they emerge through repeated experiences that become organised into stories.

For example, repeated experiences of criticism may contribute to conclusions such as:

"I'm not good enough."
"I'm a burden."
"I'm weak."

Likewise, repeated experiences of care, perseverance or courage may contribute to conclusions such as:

"I'm someone who keeps going."
"I'm compassionate."
"I'm dependable."

Narrative Therapy does not assume that identity conclusions are objectively true. Rather, they are viewed as conclusions that have become persuasive because particular stories have been privileged over others.

Therapy therefore seeks to understand:

how identity conclusions developed
which experiences support them
which experiences contradict them
how alternative conclusions might emerge through preferred stories

As preferred stories become richer, new identity conclusions become possible.

Supporting concepts

This concept incorporates the following supporting concepts:

Dominant identity conclusions
Preferred identity conclusions
Identity revision
Witnessed identity

Dominant identity conclusions

Dominant identity conclusions arise from problem-saturated stories.

These conclusions often become rigid and self-perpetuating because new experiences are interpreted through them.

Examples include:

"I'm a failure."
"Nobody likes me."
"I'm always the problem."
"I'm broken."

Narrative Therapy becomes curious about how these conclusions developed rather than treating them as facts.

Preferred identity conclusions

Preferred identity conclusions emerge from richer stories that reflect a person's values, intentions and lived experience.

Examples include:

"I'm someone who cares deeply."
"I'm resilient."
"I keep trying even when life is difficult."
"I'm learning to trust myself."

These conclusions are not imposed by the therapist. They emerge collaboratively through therapeutic conversations.

Identity revision

Identity conclusions are continually open to revision.

As people reconnect with neglected experiences and preferred stories, their understanding of themselves naturally changes.

Narrative Therapy therefore treats identity as evolving rather than fixed.

Identity revision is gradual and is supported through repeated conversations, meaningful relationships and therapeutic documentation.

Witnessed identity

Identity conclusions become more influential when they are recognised by others.

Family members, friends, colleagues and communities often help strengthen preferred identities by acknowledging qualities that people struggle to recognise in themselves.

This connects identity development with Outsider Witness Practice, Re-membering and Narrative Documents.

Why this concept matters

Many people seek therapy because they have come to understand themselves through painful identity conclusions.

These conclusions often influence:

confidence
relationships
emotional wellbeing
decision-making
future aspirations

Narrative Therapy does not argue against these conclusions.

Instead, it broadens the conversation by exploring experiences that reveal alternative understandings.

Over time, preferred identity conclusions become increasingly credible because they are grounded in lived experience rather than wishful thinking.

Non-clinical example

A newly qualified manager believes she is "not a leader."

Through conversation she recalls supporting colleagues, resolving conflict calmly and encouraging new team members.

These experiences contribute to a revised identity conclusion organised around leadership, empathy and responsibility.

Clinical example

A young person referred for anxiety repeatedly describes himself as "weak."

During therapy he recalls protecting a younger sibling, attending school despite fear and speaking honestly about his struggles.

As these experiences are connected, an alternative identity conclusion develops:

"I am someone who acts with courage even when I am afraid."

This conclusion gradually becomes more influential than the original story of weakness.

Core insight

Identity conclusions are not fixed truths.

They are conclusions drawn from stories, and as stories change, identity can change.

Questions before a session

Which identity conclusions currently dominate?
What stories support these conclusions?
Which experiences appear to have been overlooked?
Which preferred identity themes have already emerged?
How might today's conversation contribute to identity revision?

Questions during a session

What have these experiences led you to believe about yourself?
Where did that conclusion come from?
Has there been a time when that conclusion did not fit?
What might these alternative experiences suggest instead?
Which conclusion feels more consistent with your values?
Who would recognise this preferred version of you?
What conclusion would you like to become more influential?

Questions after a session

Which identity conclusions were explored?
Which preferred conclusions began to emerge?
What experiences supported these conclusions?
Which relationships could strengthen them?
What should be explored next?

Related epistemologies

Related schools and models

Narrative

Related concepts

Related methods

Related techniques

Related pathways

Narrative pathway

Key theorists / contributors

Key texts / references

White, M. (2007). Maps of Narrative Practice. New York: W. W. Norton.
White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. New York: W. W. Norton.
Freedman, J., & Combs, G. (1996). Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities. New York: W. W. Norton.

Notes

Identity conclusions sit at the intersection of Narrative Identity, Preferred Stories and Re-authoring. They represent the understandings people reach about themselves through the stories they live by. Narrative Therapy seeks neither to replace negative conclusions with positive affirmations nor to persuade people to think differently. Instead, it helps people develop richer identity conclusions that are grounded in authentic experience, meaningful relationships and preferred values.

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