Gabel, Sheila Lynn2026-02-282026-02-282000https://hdl.handle.net/1828/23373This narrative study examined the writing process throughout the change process of adjustment to disability. Personal journals of the researcher over a period of twelve years were reread, with particular emphasis on the period of time following a motor vehicle accident and leading up to elective leg amputation. Recurring themes in the journals, as well as salient features, were identified and discussed with reference to the literature on therapeutic writing, amputation, and disability. Writing was found to be of benefit in making positive meaning of disability, mainly through developing the relationship with self, expressing strong emotion, and allowing opportunity for creativity. Rereading the journals in the present was of healing benefit in providing perspective, facilitating forgiveness, and encouraging positive action. Implications for counselling and future research are discussed.enAvailable to the World Wide WebThesis