“The person is not the problem; the problem is the problem”. – Michael White
This formative statement is a core principle for narrative-oriented therapists. Something becomes “a problem” when it gets in the way of a person’s life, visions, and hopes. How we approach the problem shapes how we look at it, what we will find, and how we might act in response.
A client may come to you in the grip of a problem-saturated story about themselves or some aspect of their life. Narrative therapy approaches invoke curiosity about the meaning of the problem to them, how this informs their thoughts and actions, and ways in which these are, or are not, helpful.
As an alternative to defining the person according to the problem or locating the problem within the person, a narrative-oriented therapist is guided by ‘positioning’ theory which suggests we come to know and experience ourselves through relationships located within specific histories, cultures, and political systems.
Informed by this orientation, therapist and client work collaboratively to co-research, deconstruct and reauthor the problem-saturated story. This can support the client to reclaim their life from the effects of a problem, and to discover or find their way back to preferred identity conclusions.
This in turn can open hopeful possibilities which honour valued relationships and treasured aspects of their history and culture.
This workshop includes illustrative examples, practical exercises, case study reflections, journal articles, handouts, and ample presenter-attendee dialogue.
Register today for this transformative training!
File type | File name | Number of pages | |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Narrative Therapy_Presenter Slides Nov'22 (1.2 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
Introduction to Narrative Therapy_Workbook_Nov'22 (1.4 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
Introduction to Narrative Therapy_Video & Handouts_Nov'22 (64 KB) | Available after Purchase | ||
Morgan - Beginning to use a narrative approach (329.5 KB) | Available after Purchase | ||
Thomas - Poststructuralism and therapy (2.7 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
van den Bok - Narrative & Non-Narrative (110.7 KB) | Available after Purchase | ||
van den Bok - Some ideas that inform narrative practice (162.3 KB) | Available after Purchase |
Merle Conyer supports individuals, teams, organisations and communities responding to interpersonal, institutional, political, cultural and environmental trauma, healing and justice. Contexts in which she contributes include mental health, legal, government, academic and community sectors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, organisations facilitating redress for institutional abuse, and those contributing to human rights, social justice and environmental justice.
Her track record includes board, management, service delivery and volunteer roles. Through her independent practice she currently offers counselling, supervision, debriefing, training, groupwork, wellbeing support and consulting services. She interweaves interdisciplinary wisdoms such as somatic psychotherapy, trauma-informed practice, narrative therapy, ecological psychotherapy, focusing and mindfulness practices, and is guided by both clinical and cultural supervision. Merle is an Accredited Supervisor and Clinical Member with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. She holds a Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, Master of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy, Master of Education, Graduate Diploma of Communication Management (Human Resource Development), and Diplomas of Somatic Psychotherapy and Energetic Healing.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Merle Conyer maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Blue Knot Foundation. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Merle Conyer has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Morning Session
9:00am - 12:30pm (includes 15 minute break at 10:30am)
Lunch Break
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Afternoon Session
1:00pm - 4:30pm (includes 15 minute break at 2:45pm)
Learning objectives of this training:
“This workshop introduces effective therapeutic practices for walking alongside clients as they explore what strengthens, nourishes and enlivens … a respectful way of being in relationship that can be transformative for both of us." Merle Conyer
How will you benefit from attending this training?
Morning Session (includes a short morning tea break)
Afternoon Session (includes a short afternoon tea break)
This seminar has been designed to extend the clinical knowledge and applied skill of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Coaches, Psychologists, Hypnotherapists, Social Workers, Case Workers, Pastoral Care Workers, Community Workers, Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatrists.
COVID-19 AND YOUR SAFETY
Our venue is registered with Service NSW as a 'Covid Safe' venue.
You will be required to checkin via our QR code and to abide by the safety measures current at the time and in line with public health orders. These will be advised in your pre-event reminder/information emails.
In the interest of everone's safety, PDP reserves the right to deny entry to any participant who is unable to follow the current COVID safety plans.
ACCESSIBILITY
This venue offers wheelchair access from the Brown Street entrance.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
4 minute walk from Chatswood train/metro/bus interchange
PARKING
Links to reasonable early-bird parking close to the venue:
https://www.secureparking.com.au/en-au/car-parks/australia/new-south-wales/sydney/lower-north-shore-and-northern-beaches/zenith-centre-car-park
NOURISHMENT
All day tea, coffee and chilled water are provided.
If you have not ordered lunch with your registration, we have a fridge and two microwave ovens should you wish to bring your own food.
The venue has a cafe on the ground floor and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants including an extensive food hall above the Chatswood Interchange.
ACCOMODATION
Mantra Hotel is next door to the venue: website here
Meriton Suites is a 4 minute walk from the venue: website here
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