Summary:
Narrative therapy is a more recent approach that provides a unique therapeutic context for clients to tell their life stories and reflect on their experiences. In faith-centered narrative therapy, one’s story can be recontextualized in relationship with Christ and His involvement with Christian clients. Ganzevoort (cited in Klaasen, 2020) claims that a story not only conveys information but lends itself to analysis and interpretation. Life stories are almost universally woven together with identity, social and cultural contexts, personal agency, moral dynamics, and religious traditions, which can be seen in attachment theory. In faith-centered narrative therapy, trauma narratives are analyzed and interpreted through the lens of Christ and His story. Important therapeutically relevant questions arise (e.g., How does the suffering of Christ transform the interpretation of one’s personal narratives of trauma? What resources does Christianity provide that can make suffering meaningful?). This workshop, designed for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, coaches, and ministry leaders, will evaluate various aspects of narrative therapy and faith-centered narrative therapy for Christian clients. Furthermore, participants will analyze trauma from multiple perspectives and how trauma can disrupt a client’s relationship with God. Last, participants will explore various types of prayer that can be used to create alternative narratives and inspire transformation in the imagination for Christian clients.
Define and explain trauma and traumatic life experiences
Identify the embodied, psychological processes involved in the resolution of traumatic memories
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP