Constructing Stories, Telling Tales

Formulation remains one of the most important activities that those using psychological approaches undertake as part of their work. By drawing on a wide range of sources from psychology and the arts the authors find ways to honour the stories clients tell yet offer key psychological insights to facilitate change. They provide a clear guide to enable the reader to think about the purpose of their work with clients, the perspectives which inform it and the process used to ensure effective outcomes. Guest contributions are included from various fields of practice including: clinical, coaching, educational, forensic, occupational and from the arts

The book will enable all practitioners (whatever the stage of their career) who need to work with client stories to find new ways to enhance their practice.

`In a climate of demand for sound-bite explanations and quick-fix solutions, the authors refuse over-simplification and explore the challenging complexity of psychological formulation. They do so from a narrative perspective that recognizes that the formulations psychologists make in relation to the stories brought by their clients, while grounded in systematic theory and research, are, nevertheless, themselves stories. They have, therefore, elicited contributions from others, expert in the interpretation of stories and their characters, such as actors and dramatists, who bring differing perspectives to our understanding. I can personally attest to the value of these perspectives, as my own training in dramatherapy has greatly enriched my work with clients. It has deepened my appreciation of what feeling my way into another's world, so central in effective therapy, involves, and of the centrality of stories in our experience. I have found the chapters of this book stimulating and thought provoking.' Sheelagh Strawbridge, co-author of Exploring Self and Society and co-editor of the Handbook of Counselling Psychology