Reflections on Therapeutic Storymaking

Extending her earlier work on the use of stories to bring about healing change, Alida Gersie's long awaited new book develops both theory and practice of storymaking with a particular focus on group settings. Using many examples from her extensive work in many different countries, the author reflects on the dynamics of the storytelling process and explores the experiences and attitudes most frequently brought to story work. She looks at the impact of race and class on both group leader and members of the group, and clarifies how these affect the group's functioning. She also explores, amongst other topics, the various types of narrative and their uses, mutuality and reciprocity, the need to promote systematically the clients' tolerance for the expression of emotional range and the empowerment that can result from the group storytelling process.

This wise and humane book will enrich the practice of anyone engaged in therapeutic work, in group or individual settings.