Personal Recovery and ACT-Based Group Therapy for Adults with Long-Term Depression: A Multiple Case Study Approach using Narrative Inquiry

This thesis examines perspectives of people with long-term depression who participated in group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Six adults narrated how their experience of depression had changed since ACT. Five identified being on a quest journey of personal growth. They emplotted ACT as a catalyst for greater acceptance of illness and re-engagement in meaningful activities. Overall, the study illustrates depression as a phenomenon of ‘loss and estrangement’ and recovery as a gradual process of ‘re-gaining synchrony’ with the world. Narrative inquiry is shown as useful device that can be used by therapy-providers and researchers to promote person-centred recovery.