Effectiveness of interviews based on narrative exposure therapy (NET) in community settings: a case study

The researcher examined how narrative interviews which borrow narrative exposure therapy (NET) approaches were received in a drug and alcohol support service in the UK. A case study was conducted with a client from the service who attended a Lifeline session, two narrative interviews which used NET elements to construct a detailed narrative about her life story and a traumatic event she chose to discuss. The narrative was transcribed into a biography which was thematically analysed using guidelines from Braun and Clarke (2006). A separate interview explored the participant’s experience, opinions and recommendations regarding the narrative interview approach. The IES-R and HADS were administered pre- and post-participation. No aggravation of hyperarousal and intrusiveness of traumatic memories and of anxiety and depression symptoms occurred. Avoidance symptoms were noticeably reduced. The end interview revealed a very favourable view of the narrative interview approach, with particular value placed on the lifeline session and a noticeable reduction of avoidance of reminders about the traumatic event. Self-reported drinking behaviour and desire to drink remained minor and unchanged. The study adds to a small evidence base of the use of NET-based approaches in higher-income settings and with individuals who are not part of a differentiated group where collective or complex trauma is prevalent (e.g. refugees, veterans)