Narrative Therapy 101: Language, Power, & Possibility in Therapy
Presented by
Dreya Blume, LCSWThis training introduces psychotherapists to the foundations of narrative practice, with a focus on the role of language in shaping identity, the influence of power in sustaining problem-saturated stories, and the therapeutic possibilities that emerge when clients begin to author new narratives.
Overview
Recorded: March, 2026 3 CEs
The stories clients tell about their lives shape how they see themselves, their problems, and their possibilities. Narrative therapy invites clients to step into new relationships with their challenges by re-authoring the stories that have been influenced by culture, power, and lived experience.
This training introduces psychotherapists to the foundations of narrative practice, with a focus on the role of language in shaping identity, the influence of power in sustaining problem-saturated stories, and the therapeutic possibilities that emerge when clients begin to author new narratives.
Through demonstration, discussion, and hands-on practice, participants will explore how to listen for problem stories, ask generative questions, and highlight moments of strength and resilience. Attendees will leave with practical tools to begin weaving narrative therapy ideas into their everyday sessions, creating space for clients to discover fresh perspectives and empowering alternative story-lines.
Objectives
Develop an understanding of the core principles of narrative therapy, including the role of language in shaping meaning and identity. Learn practical techniques for externalizing problems, asking narrative questions, and amplifying alternative stories. Identify ways to apply narrative therapy in everyday clinical practice
About the Presenter
Dreya Blume (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author, and educator. Dreya began working in the mental health field in 2004 in southwest Virginia, where she spent almost two decades serving the local transgender community as a gender therapist. She recently moved to Durham, NC, where she focuses on offering continuing education training to therapists and coaching for private practice clinicians who want to expand their business uniquely. Dreya loves to write and is the author of several books, including, “The Tarot Activity Book: A Collection of Creative and Therapeutic Ideas for the Cards,” “Journaling the Tarot,” “Everyone Has a Story: Using the Hero’s Journey and Narrative Therapy to Reframe the Struggle of Mental Illness,” and “Tarot for Transformation: Using the Major Arcana to Discover Your Best Self and Create a Life Worth Living.” All of Dreya’s books (under her former name, Andy Matzner) are available here: https://dreyablume.com/books. Dreya is also passionate about teaching. Before becoming a mental health clinician, she spent many years teaching English as a Second Language in places such as Japan, Australia, Thailand, and Hawaii. Once in Virginia, Dreya worked as an adjunct professor for almost twenty years at Hollins University, teaching gender studies and sociology in their Master of Liberal Studies program. In addition, she spent twelve years teaching future social workers in the human services program at Virginia Western Community College. Learn more about Dreya on her website: https://dreyablume.com/.