Telling and enchanting lifestories in a psychosocial care center

Abstract

The Psychiatric Reform has caused numerous changes in care to patients with mental disorder, widening the forms and scope of treatments. This study aimed to present an experience report of the creation of a storytelling group at a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS). In this group, through the world of ancient tales and participants' own daily stories and life experiences, patients can approach their emotions, fantasies, thoughts and fears in a metaphoric and ludic way, thus improving their chances of gaining a better understanding of their own psychic performance. The group has 20 participants of both genders, and meets weekly for one hour and twenty minutes. In this environment of listening, embracement, memories and review of meanings, participants are able to experience themselves in other possibilities of being. At the same time they write another chapter of the life story of the group itself.