Of Mice and Metaphors
Therapeutic Storytelling with Children
- Jerrold R. Brandell - Wayne State University, USA
In Of Mice and Metaphors, Second Edition, psychoanalyst and child treatment specialist Jerrold R. Brandell introduces a variety of dynamic strategies for therapists to understand and incorporate a child’s own creative story-narrative into an organic and reciprocal treatment process leading to therapeutic recovery and healing. Engaging case histories encompassing a wide spectrum of childhood problems and emotional disorders are used to illustrate complex, effective strategies that include actual clients’ stories and the author’s response to their narratives.
“Of Mice and Metaphors: Therapeutic Storytelling with Children by Jerrold R. Brandell is a fascinating presentation on the use of storytelling as a powerful tool in psychodynamic therapy with children. Using an economy of words that are strongly supported by literature and empirical evidence and illustrated with actual case studies and vignettes, Brandell offers not just an explanation but a how-to guide.”
“This is an ambitious clinical and educational text that informs assessment, diagnoses, case conceptualizations and therapeutic approaches with a wide range of children using autogenic storytelling. Brandell reviews the theoretical basis of this technique and provides very clear case examples with detailed discussions to illustrate its uses.”
PRAISE FOR THE PREVIOUS EDITION
“In this clear, well-written book, Dr. Brandell gives us a lucid exposition of the power of storytelling as part of a psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy for children and adolescents. With many vivid clinical illustrations, he demonstrates the utility of storytelling for assessment, creating an alliance, producing change, and, as a research tool, for measuring outcome. Dr. Brandell is an inspiring teacher, and his book has much to teach both beginning and experienced child therapists.”
“Of Mice and Metaphors offers a gold mine of clinical material. Brandell amply demonstrates the power and effectiveness of his approach. His case illustrations vividly detail how children unveil their psychodynamics through the stories they tell, and his responses give evidence of his empathic attunement and immersion in the children’s psychological lives. Both beginning and seasoned therapists will find much to draw on from the contents of this book.”
“A compelling account by a master clinician of the use of reciprocal storytelling technique.”
Provides a nice introduction to the use of story telling. The book is an essential addition for students who have been primarily trained in cognitive and behavioral intervention methods. Of Mice to Men will enrich the therapeutic methods toolbox of my students.
