The Qual Report: Exploring the Depths of Qualitative Research Narratives of Change: Exploring Therapeutic Autoethnography With Claude-Hélène Mayer and Ronald J. Chenail
Nov 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Claude-Hélène Mayer, a South African psychology professor and expert in autoethnography, joins Ronald J. Chenail. They explore the transformation of autoethnography into a powerful therapeutic tool. Topics include the integration of personal narratives in therapy, the significance of turning points, and the role of cultural contexts in shaping identity. They also discuss collaborative autoethnographic projects and the potential for healing and systemic change, emphasizing the upcoming special issue on therapeutic positive autoethnography.
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Autoethnography As Interdisciplinary Bridge
- Autoethnography blends anthropology and therapy to study lived experience across cultures.
- Claude-Hélène Mayer used both disciplines to develop autoethnography as a therapeutic, transformative method.
Adoption Discovery As Autoethnographic Journey
- A doctoral student used autoethnography to process adoption and DNA-match revelations during research.
- Ronald J. Chenail described the emotional iterative process of meeting birth and adoptive family members.
Use Writing To Facilitate Shared Interpretation
- Ask clients to write their story and then share differing perspectives (self, parent, partner) in session.
- Compare written autoethnographies together to build mutual interpretation and therapeutic conversation.
