CHANGING EMOTION: THE USE OF THERAPEUTIC STORYTELLING

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Apr 2006 by Parker, Trent S, Wampler, Karen S

Even though using metaphors in a therapeutic context is common, there are very few studies that address their effects. This study examines the effects of storytelling in therapy. After discussing a problem in a current relationship, 42 female participants were randomly assigned to receive either a story or psychoeducational information. Results indicated that both treatments were equally successful in reducing amounts of negative affect and negative feelings toward the relationship. In addition, each story was able to facilitate a change in emotional valence. Finally, participants saw no difference between the depth and smoothness of each session. Examples on using storytelling within different models of marriage and family therapy are provided.

THERAPEUTIC STORY EXAMPLE

Not very long ago, my family was visiting relatives. We spent a lot of time in their home, and it just so happened that they owned two German Shepherds. My son, who is 5, wanted so badly to escape the boredom at the house and play outside. The backyard was large and covered in thick, lush grass. There were stones to be turned over and rusty items to look beneath. The yard presented so many possibilities, but it was guarded by the two dogs. It wasn't that the dogs were mean; it's just that my son had some previous unpleasant experiences with dogs and since has avoided them at all costs.

I suppose the boredom became unbearable after a couple of days, because my son, after examining the yard from behind the safety of the sliding door, decided to venture out. The dogs were in a corner of the yard, but quickly turned their heads, their ears attentive, when he slid open the glass door. He slowly closed the door behind him and took several steps. The dogs began to run toward my son. The dogs to him must have looked tremendous, as do most things when we are little. It is almost like walking down the halls of an elementary or junior high school, which at the time seemed so big. From an adult perspective, however, they aren't quite so large.

The dogs halted their advance several feet away from my son. Each stared at the other, not wanting to make the next move. The dogs continued their panting, eyeing my son, as he began to slowly approach them. Each step must have seemed so long, yet quick, as he came nearer and nearer to the dogs. Steps always seem to move quicker when approaching something we've avoided so long.

They finally stood close to one another: the dogs, panting, my son breathing hard. He slowly reached out his hand to pet one dog a top its head. The dog raised its mouth and gently licked the offered hand. A smile began to show on my son's face. His posture became more erect and his shoulders back. He reached out his other hand, which the other dog began to lick. Soon my son was beyond smiling and laughing. Tingles must have rushed all over him. He moved in close to the dogs, and was soon engaged in playing with them.

Emotion plays an important role in the human experience. Emotion is seen as the focus in understanding, cognition, and interaction. It also influences the salience of information, influences goal setting, and regulates interaction with others (Greenberg, Rice, & Elliot, 1993). Emotional change in therapy, then, can lead to therapeutic outcomes. Tools and theories that lead to emotional change become important, not only at the beginning of therapy, but throughout.

It is common to experience emotional changes while engaged in a book, television program, or movie. Feelings of excitement, sadness, and other emotions are experienced while following the storyline. This study explores whether such emotional shifts can be introduced in a clinical setting by using therapeutic story telling. The above story is meant to allow a client to feel a sense of success or pride in accomplishments. If a client is able to identify with the protagonist of this story and experience the emotional changes, having these feelings can be useful over a variety of presenting problems. For example, if a client felt inadequate at beginning or maintaining relationships, shifting the emotion from discouragement to success can begin to open up possibilities of working out issues and establishing hope.

Importance of Emotions

Because emotion affects so many areas of functioning (Greenberg et al., 1993), it becomes important as a clinical focus. Honos-Webb, Surko, Stiles, and Greenberg (1999) examined therapy sessions of a client and concluded that change in therapy occurred by replacing a dominant maladaptive emotion with a more adaptive one. Interventions that affect or replace emotion should be an important focus.

Greenberg and Bolger (2001, pp. 198-199) define maladaptive emotions as "those old, familiar, bad feelings that occur repeatedly and do not change." Maladaptive emotions neither change in response to different circumstances, nor when expressed. For example, if a person feels worthless, even if circumstances suggest otherwise, the feelings of worthlessness can lead to feeling stuck, hopeless, or feelings of despair. Two principles have been identified in order to bring about change (Greenberg & Bolger, 2001). First, the client needs to have an awareness of the emotion. Second, the maladaptive emotion needs to be replaced with a more adaptive one. When clients enter therapy voluntarily, generally there is a sense that something is amiss in their life. Although they may not be able to verbalize the emotion, there is a general sense that something is wrong. Therefore, the most fundamental change principle involves the changing of emotion with emotion.