Treating specific phobia fear of injury through narrative therapy post-release: A clinical case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are an estimated 2.2 million people incarcerated in the United States and many suffer from mental illness. Specific phobia, fear of injury affects 7–9% of adults and 75% of those with specific phobia fear more than one situation or object. Specific phobia consists of fear and anxiety or frequent avoidance of an item or situation that leads to significant distress or impairment. Narrative therapy allows individuals to deconstruct their problematic stories and create a more preferred narrative. Narrative concepts of empowerment and resilience enable clients to change their lives. A case study displayed potential efficacy in utilizing narrative therapy with an individual post-release living with a fear of injury. Clinical implications and future directions are provided to expand on this necessary work.