Commentary on “Narrative therapy groups for people with intellectual disability: a critical review of the literature”

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is a commentary inspired by Laura McKenzie-Smith’s review paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary provides a personal perspective on the intersections of narrative practice and the support of people with a learning disability.

Findings

This commentary highlights some further possibilities of narrative ideas beyond therapy. This paper explores examples of record keeping and research as sites for story construction about lives and identities.

Research limitations/implications

This is a personal perspective of a systemic psychotherapist and academic working with people with a learning disability.

Practical implications

This paper argues that the stories we tell ourselves and others about our work and the people we support are powerful in ways of which we may not always be aware.

Social implications

In common with person-centred planning, narrative ideas highlight the power of the stories circulating about a person and their network and the implications they may have for their lives and identities.

Originality/value

This commentary explores narrative practices beyond the context of therapy, highlighting organisational, administrative and research practices as story-constructing activities that co-create identities of persons with a learning disability, their networks of support and health and social care professionals.

Citation

Haydon-Laurelut, M.A. (2020), "Commentary on “Narrative therapy groups for people with intellectual disability: a critical review of the literature”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 223-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-10-2020-0031