Dealing with Shame Using Appreciative Inquiry

Abstract

Although Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is often thought of as a framework used in Industrial/Organisational Psychology it has a much broader application. This chapter will focus on the applied use of AI in dealing with the ‘shame’ and ‘guilt’ experienced by individuals with HIV/AIDS in a sub-Saharan socio-economic context. The four key tenets of AI, namely: Discovery (the best of what is), Dream (what might be), Design (what should be) and Destiny (what will be) lend themselves to a reflexive approach for use in therapeutic settings. The appreciative interview, which is collaborative in nature, uses questions which are formulated so that a positive response is received. This gives clients a chance to discover positive things about themselves and their context (the client is not allowed to dwell on the negative). A second phase of discovery allows the client to reflect on satisfying moments in their lives which usually represents a strength that can be positively adapted to help them dream of a future which might be. The process continues in terms of the clients using different tools to design their provocative propositions which is their own positive statement and hope of what is or what might be. In recognizing that their destiny is not underpinned by ‘shame’ and/or guilt clients are able to deliver a positive approach (literally and metaphorically) to their lives which enables feelings of enhanced self-esteem.