Creative writing as a tool for assessment: implications for embodied working

The reader is introduced to a particular use of creative writing for assessment purposes. The method of working is proposed as one alternative for those clients who may find it difficult to embody their experience. The reader is first introduced to some literature and ideas concerning narrative approaches to therapy and assessment. This is followed by a description of the approach to assessment using creative writing, piloted with one client. Comparisons are drawn between the approach under discussion and previous work by Dent-Brown and Wang (2004), who analyse plot but do not analyze the self-and other-positioning available through character and role analysis. This case study supports their view that those with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder show features of pessimism, death and loneliness in their stories. The addition of role analysis as described here offers additional opportunities to predict and work with reciprocal roles (Ryle, 1997), including the transference relationship between client and therapist. Reference is also made to earlier work with metaphor in the processing of childhood trauma (Meekums 1999, 2000), and the function of the creative story in 'unearthing'; a getting the story out of the body, as described by the subject of this case study. The role of witness is also highlighted. The subsequent re-embodiment of the individual is evidenced by the witness' experience of being “moved” (McLeod, 1997).