Benefits of narrative therapy: holistic interventions at the end of life

Clinical experience tells us that the activity of 'putting the house in order' as patients reach the terminal stage in their illness is both a common and legitimate exercise. This process can entail many activities, both physical and emotional. For example, arranging financial affairs, making a will, compiling a living will, organizing their own funeral, completing unfinished emotional business, and perhaps most importantly, pondering the very meaning of life itself. In a continual search to find innovative ways of supporting those who are touched by death and dying, this article will discuss how narrative therapeutic approaches could be helpful in supporting the family of a terminally ill patient who is 'putting the house in order'. Incorporated within this specialist area are perceptions of death and dying, theories of death and dying as well as emotions and the search for meaning. Also under review will be the evidence base for psychotherapeutic interventions, and a review of the narrative therapy approach.