This issue contains papers around a number of themes, first of all ‘Psychiatry and narrative ideas’. We’re pleased to include here the first of a series of papers by psychiatrist SuEllen Hamkins in which she explores the use of narrative practices within her psychiatric practice. This paper follows on from the formation of a group of psychiatrists who are interested in narrative ideas, which occurred in Oaxaca, Mexico at the 6th International Narrative Therapy and Community Work Conference. The second paper in this issue, also by a psychiatrist, Nacho Maldonaldo, was a keynote at this conference and describes experiences of mental health work within Argentina, Cuba, Nicaragua and Mexico. The third paper in this initial section is by Pam Burr Smith and describes an exercise used with groups in a psychiatric hospital setting. It involves the use of humour and novel ways of inviting externalised conversations.
The next section of this journal focuses on ‘Stories from working with men’ and includes two papers, by Mark Gordon and Larry Towney, which were given as keynote addresses at an international summer school of narrative practice that took place at Dulwich Centre in Adelaide late last year.
Two papers on ‘Stories from working with women’ are then included. The first, by Cindy Gowen and Stephanie Paravicini, describes the ways in which young women in a Californian high school are taking a stand against sexual violence. The second, by Shona Russell, discusses the responsibility of therapists to open spaces in conversations with women to examine cultural and social conditions that can easily remain invisible.
The next piece, ‘Was it a girl or was it a boy?’, by Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad, a bi-gendered doctor and family therapist in Norway, then throws into question issues of gender and sexual identity!
Finally, the journal concludes with two pieces that both involve ethical explorations. Bill Madsen offers a training exercise developed to assist workers to examine inadvertent disempowering professional practices that may have negative effects on the people who consult them. A paper by Leonie Sheedy, about the experience of former state wards, foster children and those who grew up in Children’s Homes, invites social workers and other health professionals to come to terms with the history of these professions.
This edition emerged from a desire to explore new ways of thinking about education and schooling. The articles included raise a variety of challenging questions and provide some practical and exciting possibilities for action. Questions considered include: Given that schooling plays such a large role in the lives of children and their parents, what implications does an understanding of the dynamics of educational practice have for therapists, counsellors and social workers in their work with families? What are the effects of current practices on individual children, on parents, families, and... More info
The first section of this publication describes the exciting work of the Anti-Harassment Team of Selwyn College in Auckland, New Zealand. Over the last six years, students who make up the Anti-Harassment Team have responded to some profoundly complex and difficult situations within the schoolyard and facilitated mediations in creative and wonderful ways. The story of the Anti-Harassment Team offers hope and practical ideas to anyone interested in new approaches in addressing conflict, harassment and violence, or in working in partnership with young people. The second section of this publication... More info
This journal issue showcases creative innovations currently occurring in the field. It begins with a paper by a young feminist practitioner, Holly Loveday, who is using narrative practices to transform a women’s refuge to become a place of celebration of women’s stories. It then includes a piece from Peter Ord and Emma about their use of a cartoon as a way to gain influence over a problem. The second section of this journal issue focuses on re-membering practices with elders. We are delighted to be able to include papers by... More info
