Narrative therapy is a powerful modality that helps our clients identify and reinterpret the stories that shape their lives. In doing so, clients can begin to see their struggles from a more empowering perspective. In this workshop, we will explore the foundations of narrative therapy and how it is used in clinical practice. You will also learn narrative therapy-based interventions and strategies that you can use with clients. This workshop will be highly experiential, featuring journaling and small group discussions. Please be sure to have a notebook on hand.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define narrative therapy
- Identify the key concepts that underlie narrative therapy
- Implement at least five narrative therapy-based interventions with clients
- Help their clients rewrite their life stories from a healthier, more empowering perspective
Syllabus:
Introduction to Narrative Therapy
- Define narrative therapy as an approach centered on helping clients re-author their life stories
- Understand how personal narratives shape identity and influence well-being
- Emphasize that people are not the problem—the problem is the problem
- Highlight the therapeutic potential of reshaping stories through dialogue
Objective#1: Key Concepts and Theoretical Foundations
- Explore the roots of narrative therapy in postmodernism and social constructionism
- Realities are constructed through language, maintained through stories, and open to reinterpretation
- Examine the five basic storylines: self, life, relationships, family, and future
- Understand the role of dominant vs. alternative narratives in shaping self-concept
Objective#2: Core Narrative Therapy Techniques
- Externalization: Separate the person from the problem to gain perspective and reduce shame
- Deconstruction: Break down and examine beliefs and assumptions in the story
- Unique outcomes: Identify overlooked strengths and contradictions to the dominant problem-saturated narrative
- Life mapping and timelines: Explore patterns, turning points, and personal growth through life stages
- Letter writing and journaling: Engage clients in expressive storytelling as a tool for insight
Objective#3: Narrative Exercises and Interventions
- Tree of Life: Explore identity through metaphorical roots, trunk, branches, and storms
- Explore peak and nadir experiences, turning points, and memories from various life stages
- Create life maps with five-year intervals to identify themes and challenges
- Practice narrative journaling over multiple days to observe story evolution
- Personify the problem and engage it in dialogue to shift emotional and cognitive perspectives
Objective#4: Narrative Therapy with Specific Populations
- Adapt narrative therapy for children using playful, creative tools and externalization
- Apply culturally responsive approaches in diverse client contexts
- Address trauma, addiction, and mental health symptoms as parts of a larger heroic narrative
Objective#5: The Hero’s Journey Framework
- Integrate mythic storytelling to normalize struggle and highlight growth
- Explore the client’s challenges as invitations to transformation
- Help clients identify inner strengths, pivotal decisions, and themes of resilience
- Reframe psychological wounds as pathways to meaning, connection, and purpose
Objective#6: Questions and Prompts to Support Narrative Exploration
- Use open-ended, reflective questions to facilitate new perspectives
- Invite clients to examine values, hopes, and intentions in relation to their narratives
- Encourage reflection on the future story they wish to create
- Support clients in identifying the obstacles, supports, and personal agency in their journey
Objective#7: Integration and Application
- Weave together narrative techniques to co-author a preferred story of self
- Help clients envision and articulate a new chapter aligned with their strengths and aspirations
- Affirm that history is not destiny—clients have the power to revise their narrative and reclaim meaning
Objective#8: Additional Resources
- Recommended readings by Michael White, David Epston, Linda Metcalf, David Denborough, and others
- Curated video content to support understanding and implementation of narrative therapy
- Tools for continued learning and practice integration
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: March 18, 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