This science café was dedicated to the ‘collection of narratives’. In our research project young people will be interviewed about their personal experiences regarding their mental health. The collection of these so-called narratives will be done in different countries by clinicians. Therefore, clinicians connected to the Youth-GEMs study will receive a special training. During this Science Café several aspects of the training method were discussed with the Young Experts of Euro Youth Mental Health. We’d like to share some of the insights!
Marijke Kolk (Senior Lecturer) and Hanske Douwenga (Researcher and Senior Lecturer), both based at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in the Netherlands, explain:
“While collecting the narratives, we will use a method called ‘deep listening’, where clinicians provide a sacred space of silence, presence and really concentrate on listening. Also, we will use the KAWA model to structure and symbolise stories. Following this model, we will ask young people about the river flow in their lives, rocks, river banks and driftwood. All items symbolise specific things in a persons’ life. We will ask an arts based practitioner to give the clinicians some tools to express narratives in arts.”
Young Experts: “It is important that the clinicians can create a safe environment, ideally by a comfortable sitting area where you are able to walk without shoes and where you are offered something to drink. Also, clinicians should show facial mimics and be responsive in order to really interact with young people. They can start easy with something young people are eager to talk about. If these interviews are being recorded, the clinicians should not take notes but rather be fully present with an open attitude. The interviewer should let the young people know that they can take a break at any moment if things get too intense. Fidget spinners, toys and LEGO can be a great replacement for the crafts/arts-part to provide a different focus.”
During the Science Café there was also room to discuss the follow up of the training. What’s the best to do afterwards? A call, an email? Young Experts gave the suggestion to check in one week later to find out if people still agree on the given narrative or if anything has been left unmentioned. The clinicians should reassure them that what they shared was valid and understood. The clinicians should also ask them how they felt during the interview and how they felt afterwards. Some people might feel better after they talked to someone about their problems, but others don’t. Later on, the clinician should provide information on what has been done with the results.