SIRP Notes for Narrative Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The SIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Narrative Therapy because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Narrative Therapy, the key is to document how the specific symptoms, behavioral patterns, and treatment responses are understood through the lens of this particular format.
Each section of the SIRP Notes note should serve a specific purpose when documenting Narrative Therapy. Rather than generic descriptions, each section should contain clinical information that directly relates to the diagnostic criteria, treatment indicators, and progress measures relevant to Narrative Therapy. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Narrative Therapy are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Narrative Therapy. Insurance companies need to see clear evidence of medical necessity, meaningful progress on treatment goals, and appropriate use of evidence-based interventions. The SIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Narrative Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document SIRP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Situation
Describe the presenting situation, precipitating events, current stressors, and context surrounding this session
When documenting the Situation section in narrative therapy, focus on capturing the context, presenting narrative problems, and the client’s current dominant stories or self-narratives that are influencing their experience.
- Describe the client’s presenting problem through their own narrative lens.
- Identify any dominant stories or cultural narratives the client references.
- Note external influences impacting the client’s story (e.g., family, community, media).
- Document the client’s perceived effects of the problem story on their identity.
- Record the client’s goals or hopes for re-authoring their story.
Intervention
Document specific therapeutic interventions, techniques, and clinical actions taken during the session
In the Intervention section, detail the specific narrative therapy techniques and therapeutic approaches used to deconstruct problem-saturated stories and facilitate re-authoring processes during the session.
- Outline the use of externalizing conversations to separate the person from the problem.
- Note any use of unique outcomes or exceptions highlighted during the session.
- Document therapeutic questions posed to elicit alternative storylines or meanings.
- Record co-construction of new narratives or identity claims with the client.
- Describe any use of therapeutic documents, letters, or storytelling exercises applied.
Response
Record the client's response to interventions, observable changes, and emotional/behavioral reactions
The Response section should capture the client’s reactions, shifts in perspective, and engagement with the narrative work, as well as the clinician’s clinical impressions and any changes observed in the client’s relationship to their problem story.
- Describe the client’s emotional and cognitive responses to narrative interventions.
- Note any evidence of increased agency or distancing from the problem story.
- Record shifts in the client’s self-perception or identity statements.
- Include clinician observations about client’s engagement and openness.
- Evaluate progress toward re-authoring goals or resolution of problem narratives.
Plan
Outline next steps, follow-up care, and ongoing treatment strategy based on current situation and response
In the Plan section, specify the next therapeutic steps, including homework assignments that support externalizing and re-authoring, any adjustments to treatment approach, and scheduling of future narrative therapy sessions.
- Assign reflective narrative homework or journaling exercises for the client.
- Plan to explore additional alternative stories or neglected aspects in next session.
- Determine if referrals to community or cultural resources are indicated.
- Adjust therapeutic focus based on client’s response and emerging narratives.
- Schedule follow-up sessions emphasizing continued narrative exploration.
SOAP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
DAP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
BIRP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
Progress Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
GIRP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
PIE Notes for Narrative Therapy
Alternative format for documenting narrative therapy
Tips for SIRP Notes for Narrative Therapy
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Narrative Therapy. If you're documenting generalized anxiety disorder, reference the specific DSM-5 criteria. If you're documenting major depressive disorder, show evidence of the required number of depressive symptoms. This demonstrates clear clinical reasoning and justifies continued treatment.
Use Quantifiable Measurements
Don't simply write "Narrative Therapy improving." Instead, use rating scales (0-10 severity scales, PHQ-9 scores, GAD-7 scores, etc.) to show concrete progress. Document specific behavioral changes: "Client reported anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 6/10 when discussing social situations," or "Depressive symptoms reduced by 3 points on PHQ-9."
Document Functional Impact
Show how Narrative Therapy affects the client's daily functioning. Insurance requires evidence of functional impairment to justify treatment. Document specific impacts: "Unable to attend work meetings due to anxiety," or "Staying in bed until 2 PM due to depressed mood." Then show how treatment addresses these functional limitations.
Track Intervention Specificity
Rather than vague interventions, be specific about what you did and why. For Narrative Therapy, document: "Taught progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety management," or "Assigned behavioral activation with goal to schedule one pleasant activity daily." Show how each intervention targets the specific symptoms of Narrative Therapy.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Narrative Therapy. Show how this session moved the client forward. Document barriers encountered and your response: "Client engaged in avoidance despite exposure assignment. Explored ambivalence about facing feared situations. Adjusted timeline."
Note Comorbidities
Clients with Narrative Therapy often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Narrative Therapy is complicated by concurrent depression, which reduces treatment response. Added behavioral activation to address depressive symptoms alongside anxiety-specific exposure work."
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Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides detailed standards for clinical documentation relevant to psychological therapies including narrative approaches.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources on behavioral health documentation and best practices for mental health treatment settings.
- NASW (Social Workers) — Includes ethical and documentation guidelines for social workers who often use narrative therapy in practice.