How do I Structure a Therapeutic Story?—Building Stairs

For therapeutic stories, a six-stage narrative structure can be universally applied: Introduced are (1.) the protagonist, (2.) his problem, (3.) his attempts at solutions, (4.) his failure, (5.) a helpful new resource, and (6.) the success. Stages 3 and 4 can be omitted, but this results in a loss of tension and the appreciation of the severity of the challenge. A story with a negative or open ending can end after stage 4 or 5.