Powerful Youth: Determining Successful Participation in an HIV Support Group for Youth |
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Authors: | Jennifer Poole Paula Gardner Margaret C Flower Carolynne Cooper |
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Institution: | 1. School of Social Work , Ryerson University , Toronto, Ontario, Canada jpoole@ryerson.ca;3. Division of Health Policy , New York Academy of Medicine , New York, New York, USA;4. AIS (Accomodation, Information and Support) , Toronto, Ontario, Canada;5. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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Abstract: | In this article, the authors report on a qualitative study that explored the use of narrative therapy with a diverse group of older adults dealing with mental health and substance misuse issues. Narrative therapy supports individuals to critically assess their lives and develop alternative and empowering life stories that aim to keep the problem in its place. Although the literature suggests this is a promising intervention for individuals, there is a lack of research on narrative therapy and group work. Aiming to address this gap, the authors developed and researched a narrative therapy group for older adults coping with mental health and substance misuse issues in Toronto, Canada. Taking an ethnographic approach, field notes and interviews provided rich data on how, when, and for whom, such a group could be beneficial. Findings contribute to the literature on group work, older adults, and narrative therapy. |
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Keywords: | narrative therapy older adults group work mental health substance misuse |
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