Exploring the diary as a recovery-oriented therapeutic tool

Abstract

Diary writing is a centuries-old method of recording events, experiences, thoughts, and feelings that might offer potential as a tool that consumers and nurses could utilize in recovery-oriented practice. While the diary has been used within health disciplines to detail and communicate personal experiences to enable collaborative examination of progress, a diary can also provide a more complete picture of what life is like; not only within the confines of a health service environment, but also outside. In recent times, the diary appears to be experiencing a renewed interest in terms of health care. People experiencing a mental health challenge might use diary-based forms of communication to promote understanding between themselves and mental health workers, and ultimately the use of this form of narrative therapy might facilitate person-centred, recovery-based actions. The present study paper, therefore, explores multiple perspectives on the use of diaries in the therapeutic context. Suggesting that diaries have not yet been utilized to their fullest potential by and with consumers and clinicians, this discussion raises issues and offers clarity about diary forms and their uses in the health context. It also discusses the barriers to their use and how to engage consumers and clinicians in recovery-oriented work.