Looking at the life stories of ex-drug misusers in their own words, this book offers insights into the nature of addiction and how it can be tackled. It examines the links between early childhood experiences and drug misuse and also shows pathways to recovery and transformation. Kim Etherington highlights the therapeutic value of listening to drug misusers' life stories and the importance of understanding how social environments and the wider cultural influences shape people's lives. She encourages people working with drug misusers to challenge pathologising notions of spoiled identity',...

'This text offers insight into how being listened to, respected, responded to, and encouraged appropriately can enable even the most grotesque stories to take shape, be pulled apart and re-enacted into more healing ones. An engaging read. It demonstrates the deep value of reflexivity and reflection upon one's own practice and its relationship to personal life, the role of story and narrative both in understanding ourselves and our patients, and the effectiveness of paying attention to the full range of our own and our patients being - physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. This is a...

'The style of writing, including individual stories, makes the text easy to read and accessible. As a result this book is suitable for both academic as well as non-academic readers.' - Book Reviews 'An easily readable and informative text. This book should be well thumbed book in all occupational therapy departments, if only to provide us with a consistent reminder of the complex interplay between the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of living, which enable each individual to achieve the balanced state of being a well person.' - British Journal of Occupational Therapy 'This is a...

'The book highlights many interesting discussion areas, leading toward reflection led practice. The need and value of supervision for those working for the NHS is another interesting area touched on throughout this book' - A&E 'It is recommended for all counsellors who work part-time or full-time in healthcare, and will also be invaluable for many colleagues of these counsellors and also all those who manage such services. Each chapter is written in a lively, personal way that invites the reader into a relationship with the author, raising awareness of the dilemmas counsellors may face in...