Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

Table 3. 7 Mimesis 1-3 in narratives and in psychotherapy
IN RICOEUR'S THEORY
Mimesis 1
The pre-figuration of concrete actions:
The author makes use of everyday
experiences and actions in his textual
reconstruction, which the reader has
competence to understand: a basic
understanding of human action and
values plus familiarity with the rules of
storytelling is necessary for this.
Mimesis 2
The configuration: a creative, mimetic
activity or 'structuration': the narrative
is a creative opening, mediated by (the
time of) emplotment.
The "Kingdom of 'As-if'"
Mimesis 3
The re-figuration in the life world of
the reader: Through interpretation a
potential new understanding and
practice is enabled (new 'models').
IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
Mimesis 1
The client's life world as it is presented
to the therapist, including conflicts and
coping strategies. There may be a
narrative, or narrative elements (”bits
and pieces”), in this, but it is neither
coherent nor works satisfactory for the
client.
Mimesis 2
The metaphoric therapeutic narrative
evolves as a spontaneous configuration
of metaphors by the imaginative mind
(the self). The emplotment makes the
narrative more coherent and
satisfactory. However, the plot may
present a new challenge for the client.
Mimesis 3
The (positive) outcome of the therapy:
Insight through interpretation and
gradual development of new coping
strategies enables the integration of ”a
more supportable narrative”.
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