Narrative therapy is a respectful and culturally relevant form of psychotherapy. Internationally, there is an increasing use of narrative therapy with diverse populations; however, there is limited documentation within the Indian context. The intention of the study was to understand experiences of children and their families during their participation in narrative therapy at Ummeed Child Development Center in Mumbai, India. Twelve participants were recruited for individual interviews: four children, who received counseling at Ummeed Child Development Center for a minimum of 6 months, and eight family members. Thematic analysis of data revealed three themes: Working In Partnership reflected the value of therapy being a collaborative process; Practices That Open Up Possibilities highlighted skills of children and their families that became visible through counseling; and Taking Control And Advocacy revealed how families experienced a sense of control over their own lives and an interest in advocating for others with similar lived experiences. The study has brought to light how narrative therapy can make possible change in lives of children and their families and wider society. In an international context, these findings serve to document narrative therapy as a beneficial modality for mental health practitioners to use with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families.
The use of narrative practice within mental health contexts in India is relatively new. This qualitative thematic study reports on how narrative practices are being used by mental health practitioners within and outside of the therapy setting in Mumbai, India. Eleven mental health therapists were interviewed regarding their use of narrative ideas in practice. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and revealed three themes: (1) “Doing It Together” reflected the need to work in partnership, (2) “Quest for Possibility” revealed ways in which therapists were positioned and used narrative ideas to advocate for change within and beyond the therapy room, and (3) “An Evolving Journey” highlighted the personal and professional growth of therapists. Findings reveal that narrative practices have positively impacted the lives of therapists, clients, and the wider community, making it a valuable modality for promoting well-being and mental health in India.
There has been growing interest in the use of narrative therapy in various settings across India. This study sought to understand the benefits of narrative training programs, facilitated by the mental health team at Ummeed Child Development Center located in Mumbai, India; specifically, how program participants are using narrative ideas and practices in their work contexts. Twenty participants, who had completed different forms of long-term narrative training, were engaged in semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis of the data brought forward three themes: Shift in Practice and Philosophy, Shift in Stance as Therapist/Supervisor, and Shift in Personal Lives. Findings reveal that while narrative trainings are emergent in India, the use of narrative ideas and practices has brought encouraging outcomes in diverse work contexts. The study highlights that culturally relevant narrative trainings foster shifts in understanding of counseling, and invite collaboration and agency in therapy, supervision, and personal contexts of participants’ lives.
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