Using Gestalt Techniques to Promote Meaning Making in Trauma Survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-218
Author(s):  
Laura Copley ◽  
Jolynn Carney
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Melissa Zeligman ◽  
◽  
Lindsey Grossman ◽  
Ashley Tanzosh ◽  
◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L Jirek

A substantial body of theoretical work on meaning-making processes postulates that assisting clients in reconstructing their personal narratives in the aftermath of trauma helps survivors to integrate the traumatic experience into their identities and life stories. However, the relationship between trauma survivors’ (re-)construction of a coherent life narrative and their development of post-traumatic growth (PTG) has rarely been explored. In this study, I conducted life story interviews with 46 university students with trauma histories to examine: (1) How, and to what degree, trauma survivors (re-)construct a coherent life narrative; and (2) If and how this process is connected to the development of PTG. I found that survivors who were able to articulate a coherent story about their lives experienced more PTG, and I identified key characteristics of three stages of post-trauma change. I also found that trauma-related therapy, writing, informal conversations, and self-reflection played important roles in the narrative reconstruction process. I argue that some narratives are easier to reconstruct than others because not all narratives are equally valued in society. The presence or absence of narratives in the discursive environment, the reception these stories receive within society, and the access that individuals have to these narratives are influenced by the historical moment, social norms, politics, power, privilege, and individuals’ social locations. To promote empowerment and social justice, social workers should help trauma survivors to reconstruct their life stories, create spaces for the less-welcomed narratives, and engage in mezzo- and macro-level efforts to address social problems and inequalities.


Author(s):  
Nancy P. Kropf ◽  
Sherry M. Cummings

Chapter 11, “Reminiscence and Life Review: Theory and Practice,” examines the history and theory of reminiscence and life review, outlining their major tenets and principles. A major function of these two approaches is to foster a sense of meaning within the lives of older adults. Various types of reminiscence and life review are highlighted with the connection to meaning-making activities of older individuals. The therapeutic function of life review, which enables individuals to reconcile past experiences that have left pain or feelings of incompleteness, is discussed, and differing types of life review are described. The primary functions of reminiscence are also examined, as are the practice applications of both approaches. Additionally, particular populations for which these approaches have been successfully implemented are highlighted, including trauma survivors and the cognitively impaired. A case study of life review with an older woman experiencing depression following the loss of a son is provided.


2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Immel ◽  
James Hadder ◽  
Michael Knepp ◽  
Chad Stephens ◽  
Ryoichi Noguchi ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ed De St. Aubin ◽  
Abbey Valvano ◽  
Terri Deroon-Cassini ◽  
Jim Hastings ◽  
Patricia Horn

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Kuhn ◽  
Josef Ruzek ◽  
Matthew Cordova ◽  
Keiko Kurita ◽  
John Sherck

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Kimble ◽  
Molly Bowman ◽  
Yanik Bababekov ◽  
Libby Marks

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