Narrative-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology: Stories of a Clinical Life

This book addresses the "clinician side" of the therapeutic equation by spotlighting the interactional aspects of clinical work in speech-language pathology, and encourages the development of interactional skills and attitudes as the clinician gains experience. The method used to explore this topic is autoethnographic narrative, a commonly used tool in other disciplines including medicine - 'listening to patients' - and occupational therapy, but thus far rarely explored in speech-language pathology.

The first section of the book provides a conceptual and theoretical framework for the use of autoethnographic narratives, and synthesizes knowledge from narrative-based work that is relevant to clinical practice in speech-language pathology. Included are a series of autoethnographic narratives that describe important turning points in the author's own development as a clinician. By assuming that her own development as a clinician is typical, the author provides examples that can be discussed and reflected on so that professional growth can be fostered. The book concludes with a practical section on the use of narratives in clinical training, clinical practice, and professional development.

This book will be of value in professional issues courses for graduate students in speech-language pathology or related disciplines and because of its relatively new introduction to the field, it will also be of value to the experienced clinician for professional development.

Reviews

"This book is a remarkably honest venture into the realm of narrative-based practice in speech-language pathology. Jacqueline Hinckley argues for an appreciation of the value of story-telling in understanding, not only our clients’ experiences of communication disability, but also how stories shape us as clinicians and our therapeutic interactions."
—Dr. Deborah Hersh, The University of Queensland, Brisbane

"If the goal of this very readable book is to encourage self-awareness and a review of the impact of our own experiences on the treatment programs we design for our clients, then that goal was achieved. The information is well supported and in line with current trends in the profession, including life participation approaches, evidence-based practice, and case-based education."
—Wendy Marshall Chase, MA (Hospital for Special Care), Doody's Review Service (2009)

• Section 1: The Importance of Narrative
  • Chapter 1: The Development of Identity and Expertise
  • Chapter 2: Health, Healing, and Stories
  • Chapter 3. Narrative-Based Practice
• Section 2. Fundamentals of Narrative
  • Chapter 4. Narrative Methods of Inquiry
  • Chapter 5. Illness and Disability Narratives
  • Chapter 6. Communication Disorders & Narrative
• Section 3. Stories of a Clinical Life
  • Chapter 7. God and Truth
  • Chapter 8. Lunch Hour
  • Chapter 9. Overheard on the Bus
  • Chapter 10. The Optimist and the Fatalist
  • Chapter 11. Bitter Memories
  • Chapter 12. A Group of Life Stories
  • Chapter 13. My clients, myself
• Section 4. Using a Narrative Approach
  • Chapter 14. The Development of the Clinician
  • Chapter 15. The Growth of a Client
• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Appendix 3
• References
• Index