Drying up the bedwetting : retelling of a narrative journey

Date
2005-12
Authors
Fisher, Gweneth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
As a research-therapist-in-training I sought to document a young boys story of his struggle with enuresis. The purpose of the study was to explore the use of the narrative metaphor with this young boy who took a stand against enuresis after numerous attempts to resolve it. Enuresis is a medical diagnostic term and I attempted to seek alternatives to the diagnosis and treatment of what is sometimes viewed as pathology. I undertook to find an answer to the research curiosity: How could the narrative metaphor be used in working against the bedwetting? The narrative approach was utilized to guide the research journey in order to facilitate the client's preferred, alternative story of his life. I was interested in highlighting an alternative story to the diagnosis and treatment of enuresis as pathology. Looking at the positivist views on enuresis I became particularly interested how the narrative metaphor could be used against enuresis. I used the guidelines and questions suggested by Michael White's work (1995:201) on narrative therapy and bedwetting to strengthen Michael's voice. White described ways of externalising the problem and mapping the influence of the problem. Key concepts used during the research journey were: terms adopted from narrative therapy, enuresis and postmodernism.
Description
Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Narrative medicine -- Therapeutic use -- Case studies, Enuresis -- Treatment -- Case studies, Child psychotherapy, Metaphor -- Therapeutic use, Dissertations -- Educational psychology, Theses -- Educational psychology
Citation