Counseling: Narrative

Special issues in counseling, administration and planning, social work or higher education not appropriate to content of existing courses. Courses reflect the social services orientation of the Department of Integrated Professional Studies.

Course has asynchronous online and in-person elements, dates and times TBA. Open to CNSL students and SW; Education & Psych students with instructor permission

This course introduces the theoretical framework of Narrative Therapy which is based on post-modern principles and emphasizes the importance of social discourse and values in influencing self-narratives. There will be a focus on the teaching of clinical skills and approaches relevant to this model, including practices such as externalizing conversations, re-authoring, outsider witnesses, reflecting teams, re-membering practices, therapeutic documentation and letter writing. Students will have ample opportunity to practice and reflect on the application of these skills. Course Objectives • Demonstrate understanding of key theoretical concepts that serve as a foundation to narrative approaches. • Recognize and reflect on the social justice implications of narrative practices. • Demonstrate understanding of the centrality of values to narrative therapy and apply that within the context of self-reflection and clinical interviews. • Demonstrate a proficient ability through multiple interviews, to apply the basic skills integral to Narrative Therapy, including externalization, mapping the problem story, re-authoring and re-membering. • Participate in a narrative reflecting team process that demonstrates understanding of the significance of the Outsider Witness.

This course is a hybrid model. In-class sessions will consist of discussion and opportunities for applied practice. Online learning will be a mix of synchronous class discussions, small group practice, as well as independent reading and application of content.

Students will be evaluated, based on demonstration of knowledge and skills relating to Narrative Therapy through: in-class interviews, written application and reflection of the MAPPING process, video demonstration of skills and in-class presentations.