Narrative Therapy: Poststructural Theory, Clinical Applications, and Humane Practices

This intermediate webinar presents narrative therapy (NT) through the lineage of Michael White and Stephen Gaddis—while providing emerging evidence-based research on its clinical applications. The session will include elaborations on NT's theoretical worldview (and its relationship and difference with other treatment modalities). Afterwards, attendees will engage with NT's therapeutic practices, primarily externalizing, re-authoring, and re-membering conversations, especially as it relates to clinical populations. Furthermore, connections will be made to contextual, cultural, and ethical elements of NT practices, as we aim to move our field to treat our patients humanely as unique persons.

• Describe narrative therapy theory, particularly how it invites practitioners towards decentered and influential approach stance that prioritizes the person.
• Compare the effects of different worldviews (normative, narrative, etc) as we engage diverse cultures, heritages, and human experiences.
• Analyze concern for power relations, meaning-making, and accountability as ethics that underlie narrative therapy’s social justice intentions.

M. Mookie C. Manalili, LICSW