Recovery through storytelling

University of Twente researching online course to treat depression

7 February 2013

In 2011 Scientists at the University of Twente’s IGS research institute developed a self-help course called Recovery through storytelling. This course is aimed at adults with symptoms of depression. The course revolves around the principle of ‘life review’: a structured approach to remembering one’s life in order to give direction to the future. The course achieved good results, and the University of Twente will therefore be starting an updated Recovery through storytelling course in March 2013. The course is special because it is the first life-review course to be offered entirely online.


The updated Recovery through storytelling course engages people over age 40 who are suffering from symptoms of depression. They write about their memories, and focus on both difficult and positive experiences. By turning experiences into stories, participants can process them, giving them a meaningful place in their lives. The entire course is offered in an online format. In addition to the online sessions involving various questions and exercises, participants also interact with a counsellor or with a group of fellow participants.

As part of the research, the participants are divided into three groups so that the effect of the therapy can be measured and assessed. The groups are as follows:

1. participants who are in contact with a counsellor once every two weeks;

2. participants who are in contact with a fellow participants once every two weeks;

3. participants on a waiting list. They start the online course six months later.

Sanne Lamers, one of the researchers involved, explains the reason for these three groups: “Earlier research conducted at UT suggests that added value can be obtained by recalling memories systematically as part of a group. Participants respond positively to sharing and discussing their memories with their peers. By sharing personal and private experiences, the participants come to realize that others experience similar problems. We want to discover if this group achieves similar results to the group that has regular contact with a counsellor. And finally, in order to know whether the course really does achieved the intended results, we need the third group: participants on a waiting list. The first results are expected in June.”

Recovery through storytelling 2011
The previous self-help course was developed by the University of Twente in 2011. At the time, the research looked into this preventive self-help method as a means for both reducing symptoms of depression and promoting positive mental health. The course was a success: participants reported feeling less depressed and generally more satisfied at the conclusion of the course. These results were still present nine months later. The new Recovery through storytelling course differs from the 2011 course on a number of points. The course is now offered entirely online and some participants will be in touch with their peers as part of the therapy.

Further details
The new online course Recovery through storytelling has been developed by UT researchers Prof. Ernst Bohlmeijer, Dr Gerben Westerhof, Dr Marloes Postel and Dr Sanne Lamers. They are still recruiting participants. See the website (https://www.cursusopverhaalkomen.nl/site/informatie/) for more information and an opportunity to register.

Contact person
Juliette Fhij, mobile +31 6 5793 9296