Caseness and Narrative contrasts two approaches to helping persons in emotional distress. The first, called Caseness, sees signs of distress primarily as symptoms without significant meaning and leads to a diagnosis that names the experience. Often, it is followed by powerful methods to minimize or stop symptom expression. A second approach is attentive to Narrative, allowing a person's story to unfold as much as possible and using a narrative structure to frame the process. Through a more relational and narrative-focused approach, the potentially transformative dimensions of lived experience are supported. We invite you to a greater and deeper understanding that may help you, your family, and your friends support those going through difficult emotional experiences, which may also hold the promise of a fuller life.
