Narrative Therapy Group Work for Chemically Dependent Clients with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This article explores narrative therapy group work (NTGW) as a useful tool for HIV-positive individuals who are recovering from addiction. The use of NTGW for this population brings with it benefits and barriers; these are discussed as they relate to the process of a group led by the author. The implementation of NTGW in an agency supportive of HIV, the opportunity to reframe a life narrative, and the support engendered by mutual aid and the relational process of group work may provide a less stigmatizing environment of support than conventional 12-step programs. The author ascribes his success with the group discussed in this article in part to the use of NTGW in combination with other useful techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Directions for future research and implications of the NTGW for working with this population are offered.

Keywords:

• HIV
• addiction
• substance
• comorbidity
• narrative
• narrative therapy
• narrative therapy group work
• Boston