Vermont Workshops – otherwise known as Refreshing the spirit of the work gatherings – take advantage of our beautiful Vermont location to create rigorous and lively learning experiences where participants can further develop skills in narrative approaches in collaboration with others, while savoring an environment offering panoramic views, good company, and outdoor splendors. Our workshop schedule makes the most of the picturesque and inviting Vermont landscape: out-door lunches, hillside meetings, cycling and other optional outdoor activities. We believe in learning by doing.
The key is practice, practice and more practice…. Interestingly, it is rigorous practice that enables spontaneity. The expressions of life that seem most spontaneous to us are those that we have had practice in.
– Michael White: Maps of Narrative Practice.
Our Vermont workshops are appropriate for psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and other human service practitioners in work contexts that include independent practice as well as agency settings such as community mental health, parent-child centers, and hospital programs. Graduate students are also welcome.
Continuing education credits through Alliant Institute and University are available for licensed social workers, psychologists and other mental health clinicians.
Look at Past Workshops to see what makes these gatherings so special.
Our Locations
We are delighted to have found two ideal locations in Vermont.
Treleven Farm hosts our smaller training events on a working sheep farm nestled in the Champlain Valley of Vermont. This non-profit center is a learning and retreat collaborative that promotes stewardship, social action, reverence, and innovation.
The All Souls Gathering in Shelburne, Vermont is a remarkable non-denominational project of environmental stewardship, “where spirit meets nature.”
Who Comes to our Workshops?
Our workshops are appropriate for psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and other human service practitioners in work contexts that include independent practice as well as agency settings such as community mental health, parent-child centers, and hospital programs. Graduate students are also welcome.
Continuing education credits through Alliant Institute and University are available for licensed social workers, psychologists and other mental health clinicians.
Refreshing the Spirit of The Work
Here is what people said after participating in “Extending Narrative Practice: Refreshing the Spirit of the Work” gatherings:
I loved the space, with time to question, struggle, listen, enjoy, learn, and renew.”
I especially enjoyed having lots of practice time with the permission and encouragement to stop, check in with each other, try again and play. How another training could measure up to this, I’m not sure. the place, people and format were perfect. This is just what I needed!”
The way you supported our practicing was perfect – the structures made it easy to dig in and try with no thought of failure. That was a huge part of the renewal for me.”
I especially enjoyed the teaching style- having a plan, structure, things to say, but also flexibility; the gathering of responses from the audience and opportunities to rehearse, practice and be creative.”
As much as I have enjoyed and learned from videos of Michael in action, I so appreciate the freshness and commitment and wisdom of others continuing the teaching work. This helps us to know that not only does the work live on, but that it lives on in all of us.
Masterclasses
Here is what people said after participating in a David Epston gathering followed by a masterclass:
I was needing a catalyst to mix into my thinking to propel me forward in my ability to ask therapeutic questions. This workshop dropped the catalyst into my brain and opened new doors of thinking and language.”
This location is magnificent. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new people, being reminded that narrative practice involves a distinct set of skills (in addition to a good attitude), and that these need to be practiced.”
I appreciated how “hands on” it was – the mix between seeing questions, witnessing a live interview and getting time to discuss and breakdown the intent behind asking questions. I appreciated that we were able to slow down the process of formulating questions, in a way I’d never done before.”
I loved how the workshop challenged my thinking about my work, getting me to ask new questions of myself and planted ideas about how to strengthen my use of narrative ideas.”
I especially appreciated discussion of how narrative therapy is not only cognitive but a “celebration of the heart and mind.”
Presenters
Click here for a list of our faculty.
Upcoming workshops
Watch our website and sign up for our newsletter for future workshops.
Past workshops
Click here to browse workshops we’ve held – or co-sponsored- in the past including: David Epston, “Magic, Mischief and Imagination: Narrative Therapy on the Other Side of the Looking Glass; “David Epston, Masterclass; Responding to Abuse Within Families and Building Ethical Resistance (Rob Hall & Alison Newton); Extending Narrative Practice: Refreshing the Spirit of the Work (Gaye Stockell, Shona Russell & Peggy Sax).
Suggestions
Click here to let us know your suggestions for additional training topics, presenters and guest visitors to Vermont.
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