Unlocking the Power of Narrative Therapy

This set two-part workshop focuses on the theory and practice of Narrative Therapy. The training is designed for individuals who already have familiarity with the practice of Narrative Therapy and, ideally, have had some experience implementing the method with clients.

The first webinar will review the philosophical underpinnings of Narrative Therapy and the theoretical perspectives that lend weight and depth to the method.

• We will explore externalisation in detail, including externalizing metaphors, questions and conversations.  
• We will employ both didactic and interactive approaches to enhance our learning.
• A brief homework exercise focused on systemic issues in externalisation will create a bridge between this webinar and the next.

The second webinar will begin with additional notes on externalisation as it is the keystone of the Narrative method.

• We will explore who and what supports problems in our clients’ lives and review participants’ discoveries from the homework exercise.
• We will then move into reauthoring conversations and discovering how unique outcomes lay a path for healing.
• Finally, we will briefly investigate definitional ceremonies and rituals as components of Narrative Therapy.

The webinars will be based on the presenter’s clinical practice as well as the work of Michael White, Cheryl White, David Epston, Ruth Pluznick, Stephen Madigan, Karl Tomm, Angel Yuen, Richard Maisel, Elliot Goldner and others. Handouts will be provided before the webinars to allow time for those with less knowledge of the method to become more fluent. Handouts, including journal articles and websites for additional learning, will be provided following the second webinar.

These workshops will explore:

• The philosophical underpinnings and theoretical perspectives of Narrative Therapy
• Externalization including metaphors, questions and conversations
• Reauthoring conversations and discovering how unique outcomes lay a path for healing
• Definitional ceremonies and rituals as components of Narrative Therapy