Narrative Theory & Practice in Psychology

Archived Information

 

News Updates

Letter to members - coming out of hibernation (Sept 2011) 

As we enjoyed the energy and vitality ofspring, we were excited to announce the long awaited emergence of the Narrative Interest Group which has been slowly coming out of hibernation. At a time when the psychology field is in a bit of a flux we have been hoping to shine some light on the Narrative paradigm and provide rays of warmth and support to the community of narrative therapists. We are passionate about sharing the values and intentions that inform post structuralist ways of working and investigating ways we can be influential within as well as outside our profession to extend these ethical and respectful practices. We are committed tothe sharing of the philosophical underpinnings of Narrative Therapyas an important part of our community conversations and hope you will be a part of this! Whilst our bear is only just awaking and stretching after a long slumber we are delighted that she has made some tentative steps...

We are pleased to already have been able to affirm Narrative Therapy as a FPS (focused psychological strategy) under the better outcomes initiative for indigenous clients and are working to extend understandings of the validity and application of this approach. We are interested in making known the extensive narrative research that has been and is currently being done and encourage the recognition of qualitative as well as quantitative research within the psychology world. Already we have had the opportunity to set up 2 awards. These awards are intended to promote and facilitate the publication of research material, to broadcast more widely the efficacy of post-structuralist therapeutic interventions and narrative contributions to the field of psychology. We are also looking for creative projects with innovative designs which epitomize the ethos of the approach. We look forward to hearing from many deserving applicants!

We have thought of some goals to start off with including:

  • Opportunities to feel part of a larger community with the chance to connect and discuss work from personal and political platforms. Develop creative ways of using this community as a virtual team in therapeutic work.
  • Information about upcoming workshops and conferences
  • An introduction to Narrative Practice for those who like the principles but may not know exactly how it works
  • Development of questions and skills that privilege clients’ language and steps away frompathologising individuals, while working alongside a medical model that offers its own contributions to psychological practice
  • Ways to maximize resources in clients’ lives apart from the counsellor, so that new, useful skills can fully develop outside the therapeutic context, in the "real world"
  • An exploration of the usefulness of qualitative research, and advance the number of publications.
  • Looking at issues impacting our profession, such as Medicare guidelines, university course content and requirements for registration
  • We would love to hear your ideas and hopes for the group and find out how you would like to get involved. We are desperate to hear from all states and welcome new committee members to join us. 

Convenor’s Message 

We are pleased to already have been able to affirm Narrative Therapy as a FPS (focused psychological strategy) under the better outcomes initiative for indigenous clients and are working to extend understandings of the validity and application of this approach. We are interested in making known the extensive narrative research that has been and is currently being done and encourage the recognition of qualitative as well as quantitative research within the psychology world. Already we have had the opportunity to set up 2 awards. These awards are intended to promote and facilitate the publication of research material, to broadcast more widely the efficacy of post-structuralist therapeutic interventions and narrative contributions to the field of psychology. We are also looking for creative projects with innovative designs which epitomize the ethos of the approach. We look forward to hearing from many deserving applicants!

We have thought of some goals to start off with including:

We would love to hear your ideas and hopes for the group and find out how you would like to get involved. We are desperate to hear from all states and welcome new committee members to join us… 

The proposal to form an APS Interest Group on Narrative Theory and Practice in Psychology was ratified by the AGM of the Australian Psychological Society in Queensland in September 2002. The new Group has been allocated initial start-up funds by the APS, and is beginning to organise itself on a national level and form state sub-groups. An initial survey has been taken to enable members to voice their hopes and ambitions for the Group, and suggest the types of activities they would like the Group to undertake in the short and long term. Psychologists who are APS members and other people who are interested in Narrative theory and practice are welcome to join the Group at any time.

New State Branches of the Narrative Interest Group

Lets start up some local branches of the Group so everyone can go to meetings in their local area. Monthly gatherings are working well in Melbourne. We get together at each others homes on the last Saturday afternoon each month. These are lively meetings with an informal atmosphere, and a strong attendance 12-15 people. We bring food to share - and sometimes we bring kids too!

Narrative in Sydney

We have 70 members in NSW, but as we are newly formed, there is no local branch yet. Stella Hayes would like to meet up with others from time to time who are trying to keep connected to narrative ideas and practices in working environments that may not make this easy. Stella lives and works on the north side of Sydney and can get to the city reasonably easily. She is happy to be contacted by email by anyone interested in this and her address is [email protected]. Please contact Stella if you would like to find out about meeting in Sydney.

Narrative in Far North Queensland

Anne Carmody would like to start an Interest Group for people who live in North or Far North Queensland. Townsville people may not be able to come regularly, but can beconnected to the Group by email and drop in if they are in Cairns. This would encourage conectedness between Townsville and Cairns. Until the Group gets together it can't be speciifc about what it would like to do, but it might like to invite trainers or speakers, such as David Epston and Johnella Bird. Anne Carmody's email address is [email protected].

Survey Results October 2002 'What I Would Like From The Interest Group'

  • Support and Networking
    To link up with other psychologists working with NT; supportive network; to encourage and support younger practitioners in use of Narrative approaches
  • Get information
     Keep in touch with what is happening in Narrative; to get information on workshops, training, seminars, courses; to receive newsletter.
  • Increase visibility of Narrative in psychology
    To increase visibility and acceptance of Narrative in mainstream psychology; see Narrative move out into more areas of psychology.
  • Share ideas and increase skills
    Discussion about Narrative in counselling; share new ideas for Narrative in practice.
  • Research
    Find out about using narratives in research.

Minutes

Minutes of previous meetings: