The Constructive Double is a therapeutic role-play technique used primarily in narrative therapy and drama therapy, where a therapist or facilitator “doubles” the patient by speaking thoughts or feelings that the person might be experiencing but hasn’t expressed. The goal is to externalize inner conflicts, affirm unspoken truths, and encourage self-reflection.
The double speaks from a place of empathy and is always constructive—helping the patient build a stronger sense of self and agency. It’s often used in settings where trauma, self-doubt, or identity confusion are involved.
Example:
If a child hesitates to express anger at a parent, the therapist might say as the double:
“Maybe part of you wants to say: I’m hurt, and I need you to see that.”
Related Concepts: Narrative Therapy, Externalization, Empathic Attunement, Role Reversal, Internal Dialogue
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