Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Narrative therapy, homelessness, mental health, and substance use

with Barbara Baumgartner (MSW, RCSW)

Brian Dean Williams (MA, CCC)

and “Insiders”

Saturday January 12th, 2013  9am – 4pm

Isaac Newton once said: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

Brian and Barbara have been working with the RainCity Housing First ACT Team for three years and have learned more from the program participants than any textbook.  Using the framework of Narrative Therapy, Brian and Barbara will share how we as workers can be useful in responding to the daunting and systemic problems of homelessness, substance use, and mental health.  Narrative therapy is a collaborative and respectful way of working with people, which centres the person as expert in their lives.  An overview of Narrative Therapy and its application to this field of work will be included, but previous knowledge of Narrative Therapy is not required.  Frontline workers are encouraged to attend and there are no academic requirements.  The workshop will include an experience of Narrative Therapy via videotaped or live interview, therapeutic documents, discussion, and more.

Location: Community room – Woodwards Community Housing – 131 W.Hastings Street, 10th Floor

Time: Arrive at 9:00am for coffee/tea/pastries.  Session commences in community room at 9:30am and ends at 4pm.

Food: Large kitchen and fridge available for your use, if you want to bring your lunch.  Many restaurants and cafes nearby.

What to bring: Water container, lunch and snacks as needed.

Cost: sliding scale $50 – 150.  Your employer may provide professional development funding (invoices available).  Please contribute the maximum amount you are able.  Nobody turned away for lack of funds – let us know if you cannot pay.

Registration: email your name, phone number, emergency contact person / number, and level of experience with narrative therapy to:  workshop@briandeanwilliams.com .  Payment arrangements required to confirm registration.

Payment:  via cheque (make arrangements via email address above), or PayPal