Narrative medicine has developed an identity already. Clinicians of many disciplines are being summoned to a practice that recognizes patients by receiving their accounts of self. Starting from different positions, the four authors have converged in a strong and shared commitment to narrative health care. They conceptualize narrative health care practices within frameworks derived from the social sciences and psychology, and, to a lesser degree, phenomenology and autobiographical theory. They relate the development of narrative medicine to relationship-centered care, patient-centered care, and complex responsive process of relating theory, positing that narrative medicine can help clinicians to develop the skills required to practice relationship-centered care. The book details - with exercises, resource texts, and abundant scholarly apparatus - how these skills can be developed and strengthened. This work will change health care. Because of its scholarly rigor, its multi-voiced sources, and its highly practical features (lists, activities, key ideas and key references, primary texts written by health care professionals and patients), this work will be a guide in the field for those who practice medicine or nursing or social work. The book establishes that there is a field to be practised, a need to practise it, and a means to develop the wherewithal to do so.

'Today, there exists a robust body of work connecting narrative theory and practice with medical theory, practice, teaching, and research. Taken together, what is particularly interesting about these works is that they portray narrative healthcare as both a philosophy of care and a set of skills - ' John D Engel, Lura L Pethtel and Joseph Zarconi, in the Preface This inspiring collection of narrative portraits details the career paths of physicians and nurses who figure prominently in the realms of narrative and relationship-centered healthcare. Each narrative describes the healthcare practitioner's early decision process for choosing their career and follows with a trajectory of events and work situations that brought each person to their present position. They offer a unique view from both a personal and a professional perspective. The collection of narrative portraits provides students, residents, and practicing health professionals a window into the possibilities for constructing professional lives that are oriented to service in ways that are fulfilling, energizing, and creative. The editors have made an important contribution to advancing the practice of narrative and relationship-centered medicine. They invite you to listen for the truths of your own story as you hear the voices of colleagues speak from the pages in your hand. Reflecting on the ultimate concerns that move you will enable you to more fully inhabit your own life story and become more authentic and vital as you heal others. Mark L Savickas, in the Foreword