(Not a recommendation)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187638201500205X
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187638201500205X
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Volume 7, Supplement 1, 25 September 2015, Pages 18–19
Finding new voices for recovery: A narrative from co-learners in an innovative group programme
Oxfordshire CFS/ME Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, 11 Talbot Road, Oxford OX2 8LL, United kingdom
doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2015.09.048
Introduction: Finding a recovery pathway from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) can be extremely challenging for individuals who in addition to debilitating symptoms often feel isolated, with diminishing identity. This phenomenological study aimed to explore participants’ experiences within a recovery-focused group programme called ‘Rebuilding your Life’, co-developed by people with and recovered from CFS/ME and healthcare professionals. Facilitated by an expert trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, the programme uses the examples of people already recovered from CFS/ME as models for successful recovery. It has an ethos of co-enquiry between participants (patients and facilitators) as joint and equal collaborators.
Methods: A phenomenological exploration of the experiences of 13 group participants; 9 people with CFS/ME, 1 recovered person and 3 facilitators (including researcher/facilitator). Data collection involved: (1) researcher/facilitator keeping a reflective journal (2) participants’ reviews (individual and group) of their experiences in the programme, with an invitation to co-produce resource(s) for others, recording aspects of their own narratives. Data analysis: A heuristic process intertwining participants’ narratives and researcher's reflections, developing themes through text, metaphor and imagery.
Results: Identification of key themes: (1) gaining hope (2) internalising an image of a personal future recovery (3) finding a voice. A poster was co-produced by the group illustrating these themes, both in its making process and its content.
Conclusions: This group programme may offer a means to developing a recovery-focused community, through its perpetuating format of those who recover becoming models and voicing narratives to on-going cohorts. This concept has potential in many areas of health provision.
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