Pathway to a Common Language: A Homeless Outreach Perspective

Abstract

The author discusses how outreach clinicians can join homeless individuals in the pursuit of a common language so the possibility of healthy change can be fully considered and explored. This approach, based on phenomenology and social construction theory, as well as principles from narrative therapy, is applied to the process of engagement with long-term homeless individuals who have major mental illness. A case example illustrates how outreach clinicians and homeless persons can consider various social service options from a common frame of reference. This work demonstrates what can be accomplished when clinicians are attentive to subtle meanings and thereby use language to form a meaningful connection with others. Ultimately, the development of a common language promotes engagement and treatment with a variety of people who are in need of social services but are often characterized as resistant or disinterested.