Life story research: A relevant methodology for counsellors and psychotherapists

Abstract

Aims: This paper introduces, describes and proposes life story research as an important, relevant and appropriate contribution to counselling and psychotherapy research. It shows how narrative knowledge is created and constructed through the stories people tell about their lived experiences and explores the concept of ‘narrative knowing’ (Bruner, 1986). Methods: Drawing on life story research with people who linked their history of problematic drug use with experiences of historic trauma/abuse, the paper contributes to the ongoing discussion related to the similarities/differences between therapy and research and what we might learn from each that informs the other. Implications for practice: The paper offers narrative ideas and practices as ways of researching matters of social and psychological importance. It suggests that therapists (and counselling researchers) could learn from what participants tell us about the therapeutic value of using life story methods which one participant described as helping him to face ‘out into the world, without unduly or specifically delving into, or focusing on [my] emotional state’. This learning may be particularly relevant for therapists working with traumatised clients.

Keywords:

• Life story research
• narrative inquiry
• practitioner research
• therapeutic research

Acknowledgements

My thanks to Omar and George for their generosity in allowing me to use their stories. Both have read and approved this paper.

This work was supported by the European Social Fund and was commissioned by The Southmead Drugs Project in Bristol, UK.

Notes

1. Based upon the life stories of two individuals, researched and written by Jeremy Sandford, his drama documentaries Cathy Come Home (BBC, 1966), and Edna, the Inebriate Woman (BBC, 1971) led to questions in Parliament about the plight of the homeless, poor and dispossessed.

Cathy Come Home was watched by 12 million people when it was first broadcast (and has been shown again more recently). It broached issues that were not then widely discussed in the popular media, such as homelessness, unemployment, and the rights of mothers to keep their children. These dramas could be viewed as performative life story research. Was it entirely coincidental that the charity Shelter was launched soon after the film was first broadcast?