Incorporating Fiction and Fantasy Into Family Therapy

Abstract

Incorporating fiction and fantasy into a client's clinical reality is a helpful tool in accomplishing the task of rewriting problematic stories. Several methods for incorporating existing fiction are available, including the employment of client-identified characters, plots, role models, or inspirational figures. Such characters can be used to represent the client and members of his or her family in their shared systemic struggles and successes. Client-generated fiction and fantasy writing can also be useful in deconstructing and reconstructing meaning. The literature with regard to the incorporation of fiction and fantasy into therapy, cultural considerations, and examples of clinical composites are presented.

Keywords:

• culturally sensitive family therapy
• fantasy
• fiction
• Hispanic clientele
• Latino/a clientele
• scriptotherapy

Notes

¹The case studies represent clinical composites exemplifying how methods of incorporating fiction and fantasy can be employed in working with individuals, couples, and families.

²Griselda and David represent pseudonyms that have been employed in this clinical composite.