Psychotherapists are introduced to the basic ideas and methods of Narrative Therapy, an approach built on collaboration that separates the person from the problem. It draws on postmodern and social constructionist thought and pays close attention to the stories clients tell about who they are, and to how those stories shape identity, meaning and what seems possible. You will learn to help clients externalize problems, uncover other storylines and write new chapters that fit their own values, strengths and hopes. Tools you can use right away appear throughout.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the core philosophy and theoretical foundations of Narrative Therapy.
- Identify how the process of externalization supports client empowerment.
- Apply at least two narrative therapy techniques to help clients explore and re-author personal stories in a therapeutic context.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Describe the core philosophy and theoretical foundations of Narrative Therapy.
- Influence of post-modernism
- Client as author
- The importance of the stories client’s tell themselves
Objective #2: Identify how the process of externalization supports client empowerment.
- Changing the client’s relationship with their symptoms
- Strategies for externalization
- Letter-writing
Objective #3: Apply at least two narrative therapy techniques to help clients explore and re-author personal stories in a therapeutic context.
- Journaling prompts
- The process of re-authoring
- The costs of self-narratives
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: May 1, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com