Using Image and Narrative in Therapy for Trauma, Addiction and Recovery

With contributions from well-respected figures in the field, this book explores the use of narrative and image in the therapeutic treatment of trauma and addiction. The book considers topics such as early trauma and its impacts, therapeutic methods based on images and narrative, and recovery and post-traumatic growth through community engagement. Despite a close practical association between the two, trauma and addiction are often addressed or treated separately. By considering them together, this book offers a rare perspective and is an invaluable tool for art and narrative therapists, as well as professionals supporting those dealing with addiction or trauma.

About the Author :
James D. West completed his first degree in Fine Art and Art History and then trained as an art psychotherapist and has been self-employed and in private practice since 1994. He is a supervisor working with a wide variety of practice contexts and modalities including addiction rehab and is also a registered clinical hypnotherapist and a master practitioner of NLP. He is a longstanding peer reviewer for the International Journal of Art Therapy and other journals. He was both an author and the editor of 'Art Therapy in Private Practice' (2018, JKP). He is committed to the development of practitioner research.

Review :
This book offers richly rewarding journeys into the areas of image and narrative with respect to two of the most prevalent disorders of our times: addiction and trauma. A rich and evocative collection of writings which invite a reflexive reader. These texts bring together a wide range of philosophical perspectives and psychotherapeutic theories illustrated with stories from practice. It's a moving book and a book on the move not only honouring past and contemporary writers but anticipating an unfolding era requiring new responses to trauma. An important and welcomed contribution for therapists and academics into the world of addiction and recovery drawing on a range of contexts including chapters written by an array of experienced practitioners focusing on parent-child work, chronic illness, supervision, inpatient services, and much more. This book offers a wealth of examples and ideas around using powerful images, metaphors, stories, animations, and narratives to enrich and thicken therapeutic work and interventions. There is something for everyone interested in this area. Authoritative theory and moving clinical examples make this book an excellent resource for professionals working with trauma. Illustrated with imagery and the moving testimony of survivors, adults and children, it builds a vivid picture of how the powerful mixture of art and narrative may enable witnessing, validation and eventually transformation of previously unspeakable events. This a timely reminder of the complexity of recognising trauma and of the task involved in working with clients who are experiencing it. The contributors have produced a series of moving accounts, sensitively brought together by a very experienced art psychotherapist. Written in an accessible style, the book will surely be of value to other therapists, artists and health professionals in the UK and elsewhere: understanding what 'reality' and 'normality' is in the light of the pandemic, is a great challenge for all of us. This book brings together two important concepts: narrative and image. We are familiar with the idea that 'every picture tells a story' and that within every story pictures or images are created. Combining these ideas with trauma and addiction, almost alchemically, this book shows and tells how the seemingly magical process of transformation can be achieved through the use of art therapy. This book inspired me to create.