Once upon a time…: Therapeutic interactive stories

Abstract

Therapeutic interactive stories, employed with children and adolescents, are described from a humanistic perspective. The authors propose that this approach facilitates the clinician‐client interaction in a nonthreatening, reciprocal process, which is enjoyable for children. The approach introduces information into the assessment/therapeutic process that may provide hypotheses for further exploration. It may be part of the formal assessment or part of ongoing therapy. In either case it is both assessment and therapy. The approach facilitates therapeutic interaction and enables personal growth. A case vignette illustrates this facilitative approach.