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This paper describes the use of narrative practices in conjunction with bush adventure therapy ideas in responding to potentially traumatic experience. It outlines the program journey embarked upon by Evolve with young men and families experiencing ongoing effects of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, and ways in which narrative ideas have informed this work. In particular, it takes up the metaphoric idea of alternative territories of identity and explores the ways in which working in an alternative physical environment might assist in uncovering subordinated storylines and restoring a preferred sense of self. Also highlighted is the importance of practices that seek to link uncovered, preferred identities uncovered in an alternative physical environment (the bush) with the 'real world' experience of life at home and in the community. Some creative uses of physical metaphor in the bush are presented, as are song and celebratory means of confirming stories 'outside' of the effects of challenging experiences.
Keywords: narrative therapy, trauma response, bush adventure therapy, liminal period
'By going somewhere different, I can be someone different
- program participant, August 2010
In mid-2009, in the introductory stages of a program designed to respond to young men and families affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires, Evolve held a family information evening for prospective participants. Community members were invited to find out more about the work we do, and to see if it might be a fit for them. Afterwards, as people were chatting and asking questions, I spoke with Jenny, the mother of a young man who was to be involved.1 She repeatedly commented on how hard things had been since the recent bushfires and how much her son Tim 'needed' something like this. She called Tim over and, with a wilful encouragement in her voice, asked him what he thought about it all. 'Yeah, it sounds alright ... But I'm over telling my story and talking about what happened to me.
I won't have to do that again, will I?!'
Tim walked off, seemingly a bit agitated, and Jenny continued on to say that he just 'hadn't been himself since the fires ... but none of us have really'. I heard that he had seen a number of counsellors to help assist with grief and loss issues and...