Introduction to Narrative Therapy and Community Work

Capability Levels: Evolving; Established

This course introduces the key principles and practices of Narrative Therapy and Community Work. It is delivered by leading Narrative practitioner and academic Dr. David Denborough, co-Director of the Dulwich Centre and co-ordinator of the Master of Narrative Therapy at the University of Melbourne.

Topics include:

• An introduction to the histories of these approaches
• Summary of key aspects of the narrative approach, such as externalising conversations, the use of documentation, and the Team of Life metaphoric practice
• Discussion of community projects informed by narrative principles.

Who should register? This course is relevant to social workers (and other counsellors and allied health professionals) working with individuals, families, groups and/or wider communities, including within clinical mental health settings.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop an awareness of the histories of Narrative Therapy and Community Work
• Develop an understanding of the story metaphor and its implications for practice
• Develop an understanding of externalising conversations (the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem, and the solution is not only personal) and their application in a range of contexts
• Develop an understanding of the significance of documentation (the written word, song, video) in supporting people to reclaim their lives from problems
• Learn about the Team of Life and Tree of Life narrative approaches and other metaphoric practices
• Develop an appreciation of the diverse work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander narrative practitioners
• Gain knowledge of a range of narrative practice community projects.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (Focussed Psychological Strategies); Clinical