Mutual Storytelling: an Intervention for Depressed and Suicidal Children

Mutual storytelling was used to help a 7-year-old boy in play therapy through a suicidal crisis. By listening to the boy’s story & responding with a similar story that included a healthier resolution & more adaptive problem solving strategies, the counselor was able to teach new ways of expressing anger & positive ways of resolving conflicts. Mutual storytelling provides the school counselor with a framework for working with children manifesting depression & suicidal behavior. (12 refs.)