POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TIMELINES - A TECHNIQUE FOR RESTORYING

Families or individuals requesting therapeutic consultation often pres ent in. the context of an, overwhelming history of stressful and negat ive life events. Frequently, the pressure of such events obliterates m emories of strengths and successes. This is particularly true by the t ime people reach inpatient psychiatric settings. This article outlines a technique designed to help people bring these events into perspecti ve and to develop positive life stories. The use of Positive and Negat ive Timelines helps to reinforce competency-based themes in people's l ives. A clinical case is used to highlight the technique.