Background:
A complete model of health and wellness involves more than the prevention of disease, early diagnosis and effective treatment. It also involves equipping individuals with the emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social resources to manage and even thrive during times of challenge and adversity. Self-determination theory provides a robust theoretical underpinning for understanding and conceptualising wellness which incorporates relatedness, autonomy and competence and affords a central role to motivation (1,2). Additionally, approaches derived from the medico-social model of Salutogenesis and sense of coherence (4-6) have much to offer in enabling individuals to live healthy and productive lives during periods of personal difficulty.
Aim:
This presentation shares experiences of transforming narratives involving self-determination and sense of coherence in healthcare and workplace settings. It also provides a tool for coaching practitioners to work safely in the area of developing enabling clients to develop narratives that support mental wellness.
Techniques and tools:
Building on early studies involving narrative based approaches (7) the presenters will share case studies that illustrate ways to coach that support individuals developing and sustaining wellness in a variety of situations. These include supporting individuals to live with and beyond cancer and cope with chronic pain. The management of the boundary between coaching and other clinical modalities will be explained using the Health Awareness Tool, a model developed for enhancing wellness (8).
Learning Outcomes:
Delegates will have an understanding of the intersection between self-determination theory and salutogenesis. They will also have an appreciation of how to work with clients' narratives to support them to become aware of and develop more empowering and enabling ones. Additionally, they will be introduced to the Health Awareness Tool, to support their own development and to sign post clients to other resources.