Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Course Descriptions

NT 500—Introduction to Narrative Therapy

This course introduces students to narrative therapy, and emerging approach based on the power of meaning – making systems to shape experience. This course explores the theoretical and clinical foundations of narrative therapy with individuals, families, groups, and larger systems. It introduces key narrative concepts: social contrsuctionism, discourse theory, the social construction of power, dominant and marginalized, decentered practices, expert vs. “informed not knowing stances,” and the collaborative co – investigation of meaning. It introduces key narrative techniques: careful attention to language and meaning, externalization, mapping the problem’s effects on people and vice versa, building on unique outcomes to develop alternative plots, and use of therapeutic documents and reflecting teams. Narrative research approaches will also be addressed. The class includes lecture, discussion, exercises, role plays, and video analyses.

Updated 10/1/07