ABSTRACT

There is evidence to suggest that using a narrative approach is an effective and helpful intervention for children and young people who are vulnerable owing to the experiences they have had. The Tree of Life narrative methodology has been carried out with a variety of different groups. The Beads of Life narrative-based approach has been used to support young people with cancer. Using a narrative approach has also been found to be effective when working with children who have experienced traumatic life events such as abuse, neglect or witnessing domestic violence. A key element of using a narrative approach is generating documentation that serves as a vehicle for talk, reflection and sharing. In this way, the sessions do not just end when the time ends; there is an ongoing reminder of the talk that occurred that can be utilised in a number of ways, making the impact of the work more powerful and enduring.