SW 616 Narrative Therapy Approaches
This course will focus on acquisition of practice skills using a narrative therapeutic approach. It aims at teaching a therapeutic process based on a belief in the power of the specific language or languages used and the value of multiple perspectives in helping people reach preferred outcomes and maintain relationships. The course examines the research and conceptual underpinnings of narrative therapy. It will address issues of cultural diversity and narrative practice approaches with different populations groups. Using experiential methods and exercises, the course will engage participants in practice skills that promote collaboration through stances of openness, accountability, respect for power of community and the belief in client competence and reliance on clients own expertise. The course will pay attention to social problems on a micro and macro level. Students will be encouraged to observe and give feedback to each other. First, the course will review theories and models of narrative therapy; Second, it will address interventions and techniques of narrative practice; and finally, it will attend to special populations and special issues such as illness, disability, spirituality, abuse, eating disorders the elderly, families and children, groups, organizations, and larger systems.