Queer Counseling & Narrative Practice

We begin Queer Counseling & Narrative Practice by questioning the dominant idea that there are only two genders and that sex should always be congruent with gender. This lesson follows five topics that focus on: addressing the concept of fluid sexualities and sexual orientations. identifying several assumptions that ground us in the work as narrative practitioners, deconstructing the marginalizing concept of “normal”. The lesson ends with a real-life narrative conversation that charts the history of personal empowerment in [...]

Have you finished reading Mary Heath's article and/or watching her video? Charley would like to pose two questions to begin the conversation: What do you imagine compels some organizations to be unwavering in their binary understandings of life? How might the concept of fluid sexuality make a positive difference in some peoples’ lives? What do you think? Valentina Alexa: September 5, 2014 Valentina Alexa Hi Peggy. Hi Charley. Hi [...]

Charley posted 12 of the assumptions that ground him in maintaining a client-centered, collaborative stance in his work with clients- as well as informing his living commitments as a person on the planet. Do any of these assumptions already operate in your life and/or work?  If so, how? (choose one) Is there another assumption (here or not) that you’d like to consider inviting into your relational experience?

Before responding here, please read Resisting normativity: Queer musings on politics, identity, and the performance of therapy by Julie Tilsen and David Nylund. In this article, Julie & David propose that the modern gay rights movement engages in ‘hetero-normativity’, offering instead a ‘queer’ lens that honors multiple versions of sexual freedom and diversity. What is your response to the reclamation of the word ‘queer’ as a term of empowerment? Do you see the concept of [...]

Did you watch the video of the conversation between Charley and Peggy‘ at the Vancouver Therapeutic Conversations Conference? Seminal moments demonstrates the unique power of narrative inquiry in challenging the effects of heterosexism and homophobia. What strikes you about the line of questioning in this conversation? What question, if any, stands out for you as particularly intriguing, and why? Sarah Hughes: September 24, 2014 Sarah Hughes Hello, I have had a [...]

A rhizome is “a continuously growing underground root system that puts out lateral shoots, creating more growth inspired by the original plant”. Daffodils are a perfect example of a rhizome. In narrative therapy, we are always interested in the many ways our stories can potentially live on to inform and inspire others. In this section, we shared four unsolicited letters written by group participants in response to the Seminal Moments interview, and handed to Charley [...]

We started this discussion topic to begin conversation about the second lesson, which clarifies the use of externalizing language when working with LGBTQ clients. Charley gives a real-life case example illustrates the power of narrative practices in action, through the collaborative engagement of resilience in the face of trauma and abuse. We explore narrative inquiry in a group therapy context,  as group members step out of isolation and into community. The lesson ends with  an award-winning film that [...]

What’s really Wrong with “Internalized Homophobia”? In this lesson 2 topic (click here to review), we explore the use of externalizing language in challenging the cultural forces of homophobia and heterosexual dominance.  This forum is for reflections on “Internalized homophobia” - is this language antithetical to the foundational narrative practice of externalizing the problem? SuEllen Hamkins What a great wake-up call to clarify why using the phrase "internalized homophobia" is damaging to [...]

Have you reviewed  Charley's list of "some fluid practices of narrative therapy?" (It's here). Again,  you will notice that the practices are not numbered, hence the term ‘fluid’, as these practices are employed as determined by the unfolding conversation. Can you pick one of these practices and imagine how it could be helpful to a queer-identified individual challenged by oppressive cultural forces of heterosexism? Anything else you would like to add or ask? Sarah [...]

Before joining this conversation please review (here) the brief article that Charley wrote in response to requests from students and colleagues interested in seeing narrative practices at work while addressing issues related to trauma. The article documents his experiences consulting with a client in his private practice.   We invite you to read this article through the lens of the “fluid practices” identified in the previous lesson topic. What fluid narrative practices and/or assumptions do you notice [...]

Before joining this conversation, please read the article Chris Behan here (originally published in Gecko). Chris describes the use of a reflecting team model in a group therapy setting, placing one client story at the center of the process, while creating space for the nurturing engagement of shared experiences and the engagement of community. What, if anything, did you notice about this process that was either surprising or different, based on your understanding of group counseling? [...]