Our lives as we live and understand them, are storied. Narrative therapy assumes that we are all experts at our own lives, and that fundamentally, stories are the primary way we make sense of things. While not the most utilized therapeutic model or approach, narrative therapy has many great benefits to offer clients. This training introduces learners to the fundamental tenets and philosophies of narrative therapy, including deconstruction, externalization, and reconstruction. Application of this approach will extend across the life span, to include children, teens, and adults. Learners will gain knowledge and skill in the value and application of narrative approaches through examples and case vignettes.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Discover key philosophies and practices of narrative approaches.
- Identify 3 or more methods of eliciting client’s stories and telling rights of clients.
- Make use of at least 4 narrative techniques with diverse client populations.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Narrative Therapy
- Life is made meaningful through the stories we tell
- Stories are socially constructed based on roles, messages, and cultural expectations
- Meaning given to experiences can be partial or problem-saturated
- “Unique outcomes” highlight positive exceptions that deserve amplification
Objective #2: Core Philosophies and Practices
- Narrative therapy is respectful, non-blaming, and centers clients as experts
- Problems are viewed as separate from the person
- Emphasizes client strengths, values, beliefs, and hopes
- Focuses on curiosity and open-ended questioning
Objective #3: Storytelling and Meaning-Making
- Stories exist in art, music, poetry, food, and personal expression
- Clients create preferred stories that reflect how they want to live
- Preferred stories are constitutive and help shape future choices and identities
Objective #4: Externalization and Problem Separation
- Externalization transforms problems from internal flaws into external challenges
- Allows clients to relate to the problem without blame or shame
- Helpful in reducing judgment, particularly in family therapy
- Reinforces that clients can change their relationship with the problem
Objective #5: Constructing and Naming Preferred Stories
- Focus on imagining how clients want things to be
- Name the preferred story to give it substance and direction (e.g., calmness, determination)
- Weave exceptions and values into the new story
- Encourage ownership and empowerment through self-authored narratives
Objective #6: Deconstructing the Problem Story
- Explore the origin of problem-saturated narratives
- Critically assess cultural, familial, and societal influences
- Empower clients to reject harmful judgments and form new identities
Objective #7: Thickening the Preferred Story
- Link to historical antecedents and consistent values
- Seek supporting voices and examples of lived alignment with the preferred identity
- Strengthen stories by highlighting past successes, skills, and personal wisdom
Objective #8: Therapeutic Collaboration and Mutual Influence
- Narrative therapy is a collaborative process with shared authority
- Clients guide the direction of therapy based on their interests and readiness
- Clinicians use reflective questioning to deepen exploration
Objective #9: Interventions and Tools
- Use life-story exercises, re-authoring practices, and therapeutic letters
- Scaffold new stories with maps and narrative prompts
- Incorporate the “Garden” metaphor for strengths and boundaries
- Apply the 10-7-4-1 exercise for personal storytelling and reflection
Objective #10: Ethical Considerations and Trauma Narratives
- Ensure readiness before inviting clients to share trauma stories
- Use narration carefully in supervision and consultation
- Prioritize stabilization before engaging in trauma processing
Objective #11: Case Study Application
- Highlight Peter’s story and therapeutic interventions used
- Demonstrate narrative therapy techniques in youth and family settings
- Use therapeutic letters to affirm progress and reinforce identity shifts
XII. Resources for Continued Practice
- Dulwich Centre and Narrative Counseling Center
- Narrative therapy workbooks, videos, and online tools
- Recommended TED Talks and handouts for clinical use
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: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 1/27/2024
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