"This is me sitting down on the step with myself.".

Abstract

In this article the person-centred approach is suggested as one theoretical understanding of a particular form of expressive and reflective writing using dialogue. It is also suggested that the person-centred approach is close to the practice of mindfulness, which has been aligned more with cognitive therapy in the literature for the prevention of relapse in the treatment of depression. Through a form of dialogical journal writing, "Jane," who had previously consulted her doctor and a counsellor about depression, found nurturing and non-judgemental qualities in a "voice" which she created. The therapeutic potential of this form of writing is presented here through a case study of Jane, who also used a form of mindfulness in dialogical writing to increase her awareness and her well-being in everyday life. Setting boundaries at work, for example, was a key area of change which Jane was able to articulate and which she ascribed to the practice of writing. A feminist critique of the person-centred approach is outlined and suggestions for further research into self-help using creative writing and mindfulness are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)