Beels' (2001) three stages of NT:
(a) Through listening to the story of the problem, it is recast as an affliction of the client. To do this, they concentrate on the effects rather than the causes of the problem. This helps to externalize the problem.
(b) Alternatives to the problem are explored, and an alternate story is created through focusing on unique outcomes, or times when the problem was not manifest. Care is taken to elaborate on these experiences, resulting in a thick, rich account of the unique outcome. The client is asked to decide if the story of the unique outcome is the preferred story. As it begins to develop, this story will include plans and strategies to strengthen the story line and describe opportunities for the new story to take place. The preferred story characterizes the client as capable rather than downtrodden. This process is sometimes called re-authoring, re-storying, or rem-membering.
(c) Finally, the therapist and client build a support group to help the client continue the new story. The support group is chosen by the client and can be family, friends, or entire communities. This support group believes in the preferred story and helps to create this "new" reality for the client.