As histórias contadas na clínica: narrativa e transformação na psicoterapia

Abstract

This research aims to explore the connexion between narrative and transformation in psychotherapy, through the meanings that the clients from the Clínica Escola de Psicologia da UFC, who have experienced traumatic experiences, ascribe to: the psychotherapeutic process, the perceived changes, the therapist as a part of this process, and the importance of narrating in the therapeutic setting. Furthermore, it is important to analyze the cultural implications into personal stories. This way, it is possible to perceive the narrative not only as an individual production, but also as a historical and relational process. The theoretical framework used was the Narrative Psychology that points out that human experience becomes intelligible when transformed into narrative. In the field of psychotherapy, this theory contributed to the emergence of the postmodern therapies, which have as important icons the Narrative Therapy and Collaborative Approach. Some of the most important authors used in this research were: Harlene Anderson, Harold Goolishian, Michael White, David Epston, John McLeod, Jerome Bruner, Kenneth Gergen and Marilene Grandesso. Within this broad field of studies, it is assumed that the construction of narratives, by its ability to generate meanings, is therapeutic in itself. This study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with three clients. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. It was then observed that in the beginning, all clients had some prejudice about the practice of psychotherapy, and over time, they become extremely committed to the therapy, which played a key role in changing attitudes and meanings ascribed to themselves and their realities. The therapist is seen in this process as a facilitator who explores some contents that were not perceived before, mediating the dialogue between the client and himself. The narrative emerges in the psychotherapy as a construction of meaning that leads to a sense of freedom, and prompts processes of resignification, agency and reorganization of experience.