Summer Intensive Testimonials

This training re-sparked a passion in finding playful, creative ways to work with clients. It also helped me manage the sense of helplessness I often feel as a social worker to counter the power imbalances facing clients in our oppressive system. 

– Rachel Cheng, counsellor, Toronto ON

This training was a wonderful experience that offered detailed and meaningful training and also the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and learn from them and their experiences.

– Jaclyn Kearns, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

I am so happy I was able to attend this course with my coworkers. Not only was it a bonding experience for our group, but I also learned so much about learning peoples stories and finding the right questions to ask. Thank you, Angel, Amy and Dale.

 –Vikki Holder, Anti-Human Trafficking Caseworker, SAVIS of Hamilton 

This was one of the most valuable trainings I have ever attended. Narrative Therapy brings a more inclusive approach than what we learn in academia. This week allowed me to continue critical self-reflection and learn new ways of practice.

– Luisa Henao, Social worker 

It has always felt wrong to try to be an expert in the therapeutic space, but I’ve struggled to know how to divest myself of doing this out of the expectation. This training has helped me see this discomfort as a good thing, a strength, tell a preferred story of being inexpert or not-knowing. I now have more ideas of how to intentionally create the space for clients to be the experts instead. 

– Jennifer Bean, Social Worker, Chicago IL, USA

The Summer Intensive reignited my passion for therapy and reminded me of the values and goals I originally came into the industry with. The focus on the role of social connections in one’s identity was eye opening, coming from a very individualistic approach to therapy and then realizing we are made up of many people, and the value in community. The concept of multiple selves instead of a fixed identity can be a life changing learning.

– Serena Nudo, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Caledon, ON

Dear organizers of the Summer Intensive Therapy Session 2023,

I would like to express my gratitude for the amazing week of learning that I experienced as a student. The program was truly invaluable, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate.

Thanks to this session, I have gained valuable skills that I can use to provide high-quality service to individuals seeking help. I feel better equipped to help them explore, reshape, and re-author their lives through self-awareness, improved coping skills, and individual agency. I am confident that the material I learned aligns with my personal values and principles, I plan to uphold and practice in my future endeavours

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I am excited to implement what I have learned and make a positive impact on the lives of others. 

– Terri-Lynn Villeneuve, RECE. BSW student (Trent University, 2025). 

Narrative therapy helps me explore deeper and re-discover meanings, values, and strengths in one’s hard life. By being curious, it opens up enormous possibilities to heal and connect one’s compartmentalized self. Angel, Amy and Dale guided us so well to grasp the concepts and apply them into practice.

– Maki Mori (she/her), MSW, RSW, Toronto ON

The workshop was helpful in helping my understanding of narrative practice in action. Instructors provided lots of related, clinical examples and exercises/demonstrations to facilitate understanding of narrative therapy and accommodating different learning styles. 

– D. Pan, Counsellor, Iowa, USA

Coming from a place of knowing some narrative therapy prior to this training, I now feel much more deeply immersed in the knowledge and skills needed to help weave this into my work with my clients. 

– Tiffany Merritt, Art Therapist, Toronto

I’m so appreciative to be trained by those so passionate about narrative therapy. It is an ongoing learning and the passion is contagious. I want to be a contributor to my field (social work) and narrative therapy has much to offer. 

– Sean Ally, Social Worker, Toronto, ON

This training has dramatically changed my practice for the better. I am much more cognizant of the relations of power within the therapeutic context and the larger mental health systems. I was aware of it before, but the awareness has been thickened for me. Thank you! 

– Meredith Watkins, Child Youth Mental Health Clinician, B.C

We engaged in learning in multiple different styles to accommodate everyone’s needs. Practicing exercises, watching videos of real sessions, engaging in group conversations, were all ways in which the knowledge presented to us was solidified for future use and practice. 

– Jennifer Trewin, New Counsellor, Whitby, ON

I enjoyed the course very much, and I can reflect back on the material when working with my clients. 

– Kathryn Thompson, Psychotherapist, Kingston, ON

This Narrative Therapy training has been such a rich experience for me. I have learned skills and techniques I will be able to immediately put into practice in my psychotherapy work, but more than that, I have discovered a way of working that fits with my beliefs and highest values. The wonderful teachers modeled a beautiful and deeply respectful way of being with the people with whom we work. I believe all the relationships in my life will be transformed by this experience. I so look forward to attending the Level 2 training next year! 

– Julia Donovan

I am so very happy to have taken part in this Summer Intensive. It has given me the wind I need to enrich my practice. It fits perfectly with my values and the kind of helper I want to be. 

– Darlene Thevenin, Montreal, Quebec

I feel inspired by the work that folks presented, it left me with so many ideas of how I can incorporate the narrative stance in the work that I am doing. 

– Alyssa Tanz, Social worker

As a Spiritual Care Clinician, I found the course very helpful. I could see using so many of the tools provided in my work. The various ways used to facilitate this learning kept us interested and engaged. I would recommend other chaplains to take this course. 

– Kim Bustard, Certified spiritual care clinician

Wonderful training! I look forward to attending many. 

– Sara, Social worker

The narrative training was rich in narrative ideas. Some of which were familiar and some of which were new to me. There was ample opportunity for practice in small groups. The video interview material and outsider witness practice powerfully illustrated the concepts and techniques we were learning. The tutors were excellent and the learning environment, particularly the group was generous and supportive. 

– Astrid Jones, Psychotherapist, London, England

I felt so warm and welcomed in my learning experience. This course really brings people together in their leaning and honours everyone’s knowledge. 

– Carlos Wilson, Registered Psychotherapist

Here in Toronto at the Narrative Therapy Centre, I have discovered both the heart and mechanics of this deeply powerful work. Thank you for a life changing week! 

– Halina Brooke, Phoenix, USA, Marriage & Family Therapist

The training was very valuable. 

– Abbiesha S., BSW Graduate

I enjoyed the mix of trainers, as well as the theory interspersed with videos, example stories and experiential exercises. One of the best post-graduate training experiences that I’ve attended. I will definitely be back for more training. 

– Sandra Malcolm, Counsellor

I enjoyed the course as it offered a lot of hands-on experience in working with narrative therapy. Overall, I have benefited a lot from this course, especially the sharing of how to apply narrative therapy in the specific group of clients we are working with – the couples and youths who experienced violence. 

– Janet Lim, Social Worker, Singapore

This summer intensive is truly only the beginning, but I am left with so many ideas and practices that I can reflect on and bring to my counselling work. I feel like I have a better handle on narrative practice and I have wanted this for a long time. I’m very grateful and can’t wait to continue learning. Thank you! 

– Social Worker, Toronto, ON

Well organized, well planned. Superb cross-section of Narrative Therapy professionals presenting. Fabulous support staff and comfortable venue. Outstanding week of learning, preparing participants to confidently apply techniques and principles to begin the narrative journey 

– Susan Packer, MDIV – Counselling, Oshawa, ON

What a wonderful week in the company of intelligent and open minded people. The course showed me a number of techniques for working with people in a way that is compassionate, respectful and firmly believes in a person’s ability to create a better future for themselves. I am honoured to have had this experience 

– Hilary M Jones, United Kingdom

The training had such a powerful impact on me both personally and professionally. I entered with some experience practicing within a narrative therapy framework and left with a renewed commitment, more confidence, and stronger ability to adhere more closely to being a narrative therapist. I’m so grateful. 

– Stacey Calhoun, Social Worker, Boston. M.A.

I arrived at the NTC with limited knowledge of narrative therapy. I am incredibly grateful to have had this experience and knowledge enter my life. The NTC has opened my eyes in approaching my future practice with the new skills that I have learned. 

– Michelle Dubiel, Social Worker, Calgary, AB

A life-changing experience. An opportunity to learn new skills; be out-of-my comfort zone; and meet a wonderful group of people. Thank You. 

– Barb Baker, Social Worker, Faculty, Orillia, ON

Feeling invigorated to return to my practice and ‘loiter’ with clients. I’ve already begun planning in my head how to incorporate the narrative practice of re-membering into a Women’s Group I co-facilitate. Often the women I work with describe feeling isolated, and I think re-membering may help them recognize the connections in their life. 

– Stephanie Burley, Mental Health Counsellor, Owen Sound, ON

The Narrative Therapy intensive proved a foundation of principles and practice.  It shifted the way in which I view my role as a counsellor.  While my entry point to working with youth is always one of anti-oppression, I became aware during the intensive that some of my practices uphold colonial ideologies of power and privilege.  The course has helped me move closer towards my goal of being a facilitator of change in the lives of youth 

– Kristin Knielh, Guidance Counsellor, Toronto, ON

When I feel stuck with people in their situations Narrative Therapy offers a way to become “unstuck” by looking for and ‘elevating’ a preferred story. I also love the opportunity for political discourse, self and group community advocacy that can be supported through/by Narrative Therapy .

– Ethena Williams, Social Worker, Guelph, ON

This training in Narrative Therapy has given me energy and hope as a human being as well as a therapist. 

– Leslie Hammer, Social Worker, California , USA

Thanks for all the powerful skills, viewpoints and new perspectives. I know that this course will have a positive impact in my professional work and how I interact with the world in my personal life as well! 

– Leah

I appreciate the various counsellors sharing how they use narrative therapy in their work setting with different populations. Many thanks to Angel for hosting these vital conversations. 

– Rebecca Wong, Toronto, ON

So powerful and transformative for my life and practice, which I realize shouldn’t be so separate. It was intimate and inspiring, practical and meaningful. The levels of depth just continued to thicken. 

– Monica Ek, Social Worker, Boston, MA

The NTC training opened my eyes to the power of stories. There is so much value in using the skills of double listening and rescuing people’s words to help them re-author their life narrative. All of the facilitators were knowledgeable, skilled and very engaging. Such a meaningful experience for me! There is so much that I can take back and apply to my work. 

– Rosie Smith, Registered Psychotherapist, Toronto, ON

The ideas presented, reinforced by practical examples in a wide variety of practice settings, were very useful. They reinforced the teachings I had absorbed previously through readings (Maps of Narrative Therapy). 

– Daniel Clairmont, Clinical Therapist, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

This learning context and community really provided the space I needed to consider how I can use narrative-based therapy in my work. Stories contain such layers and meanings and it’s our job as therapists to allow clients to explore all of the layers. The client is not the problem, the problem is the problem. 

– Brittany Lawson, Grad School student, Teacher, Toronto, ON

This training reassured that I made the right decision about the type of therapist I want to be. I feel encouraged by the passion shared by the professionals in the narrative community. I would recommend this training to anyone who feels connected to narrative ideas. I’m taking so much away from this experience! 

– Mauricio Yabar, Psychotherapist, LCSW, M.ED., Denver, Colorado

I did not have any particular expectations for my trip to Canada or for the Narrative Therapy Intensive and now I can definitely say this week is a highlight in my life. I learned a lot about narrative practices and I also learned a lot about people’s stories; not just from the videos we saw as part of the presentation. But from the trainers and the group. 

– Gabriela Beltrán, Mexico

Narrative practice has changed my view on how our lives are multi-storied. I feel that the theory, practice and approaches in the narrative week long Summer Intensive has changed the way I talk and look at problems of the world. Angel, thank you for sharing your knowledge, and thank you to the people who shared their stories. 

– Katie, Social Worker, Scarborough, ON

Sharing is beauty. 

– HyuanJoo Chang, Director of NGO

The Narrative Therapy Summer Intensive was a skillful combination of learning & practice.  Angel, and the NTC team of helpers, were very capacious and provided the learners ample space to share/explore/grow together.  They fostered a sense of communal learning & the diversity of the groups’ experience was celebrated & utilized… This is a must attend for anyone who is interested in Narrative or has some/good background and/or is looking for a community of like-minded practitioners.  This course allowed me to refocus my lens on how to work more effectively at narrating resilience within the LGB&T communities in my practice… An extremely supportive/positive personal & professional experience all around. 

– Jeffrey Reffo, Social Worker

The narrative training program provides therapists and social workers with knowledge and insight in the process of encouraging the client’s voice and story in their own journey. This program provides insight and experience as well as an opportunity to grow. 

– Shona Casola, Social Worker, Whitby, ON

A life affirming experience! I finally found a professional community I love and admire. 

– Talia Marcheggiani

I’ve appreciated the work of narrative practice even more deeply through the training and opportunity to explore with such open-hearted, committed individuals. 

– Loretta Mui, Community Worker, Toronto

Wonderful training, wonderful group. I’ve learned a lot this week that I can take back to my colleagues and my clients. I will definitely encourage others to take the training in future years! 

– Kathleen MacPhee, Social Worker, Fredericton

This training opened my eyes and mind to an expansive method of therapy that is useful to many applications. It allowed me to see the importance in going deeper into stories in my personal life and in the people I work with. 

– Tobi Ajibolade, Brampton, ON       

Oh man. I am so happy that I signed up for the Summer Intensive and was able to have this experience. It was an  awe-inspiring and invigorating learning experience. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this amazing group of facilitators and participants! 

– Anita, Social Worker, Toronto, ON

There is endless praise I could give to the NTC Summer Intensive! The first thing that comes to mind is that it’s much more than a course. It’s a community of ideas – making: ideas that resist oppression. 

– Erin Lindan, Music Therapist/Psychotherapist, Toronto, ON

The Summer Intensive was a very useful mix of theoretical and practical and allowed me greater scope to see how I could grow my personal practice to include a larger number of narrative components. Thank you for this! 

– Margot Beech Kennedy, RP, CCC, Toronto, ON

In one week I learned or reviewed some of the basics of Narrative Therapy Theory. But above all as a therapist, I felt cared for, validated and supported in my practice. I felt as if some of my own wounds were healed. 

– Vilma

The seminar was a great experience for me. I learnt a great deal from this well-organized workshop. Angel, the presenter, was excellent. She was able to bring alive the main concepts of narrative therapy through examples, videos, exercises, and an interview. What also stood out to me during this 5-day-seminar was helping people explore preferred identities and make a positive impact on marginalized communities. I thank you, Angel, and all of you for the great experience I had. 

– Massimiliano Gioia

The semi-public nature of outsider witnessing in order to have a more complex understanding of self probably has more integrative and healing properties not found in many therapies. 

– Chieh Teng

An excellent immersion in narrative practices. Lecture, discussion, video-tapes, audiotapes, live demonstrations and practice exercises were incredibly useful and helpful. What a valuable experience having 4 days to focus on and learn about narrative therapy – thank you. 

– Kathy L. Burt, Psychologist, Prince Edward Island

The Summer 2014 Intensive has served as an important space for the critical examination and incorporation of anti-oppression and social justice in mental health work, resisting the notion that solidarity has no place in mental health practice. 

– Edward Wong, Social Worker, Toronto, ON

This was my very first narrative therapy training session. I was introduced to Narrative Therapy during my Masters in Counselling Psychology program… it intrigued me as fitting my personal counselling style. My initial expectation of the training Angel gave was more than met! 

– Adell Dolban, Counsellor

I have been struggling with compassion fatigue. This conference was rejuvenating and refreshing, I have a new found energy and ideas to take back to my work. Thank you! 

– Cathy B., Social worker, Barrie, ON

The intensive is a very satisfying experience. It reinforces that I have been reaching for subordinate stories for years. I also recognize some of the ways I interpret stories can be problematic. Good to know and reflect on. 

– Jerry Brodey

I learned a great deal from this great training. I had already had training in narrative therapy, but this intensive gave me a solid understanding of narrative therapy and how to put it into practice at work. What stood out to me from this training for my learning is the focus on facilitating people to explore and identify their own meaning of their life experiences in relation to their problems. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I aim at continuing to practice these skills to benefit myself and the clients I will be working with. 

– Natalie Cheung, Social Worker

At the end of the four days of immersion in narrative thought ‘permission’ is what spoke to me most. When I say ‘permission’ I think and feel in many directions: self, colleagues, clients (partners)… as if the horizon continues to open up endlessly. 

– Ana Maria Lazar

A down-to-earth, personal, critical training, grounded in dialogue, lived experience, and a politic of power-shifting. 

– Nadia, Social Worker -Toronto

This was my first training from the NTC, but I already know that I will continue to seek training here as often as possible. After the first day of our training I felt at home here. 

– Ruth Neustifter, Assistant Professor, Guelph, ON

Narrative therapy is such a powerful approach to help find the positive in, with and for others. I have been looking for methods of helping my students, many of whom struggle to see themselves as learners, capable, smart, resilient.  I found many tools here that I expect will be effective 

– Will Wallace, School Teacher, Toronto, ON

The phrase “client as consultant” is often heard in social work circles as a way to indicate an ethic of inclusion, empowerment and respect for the people we work with. In practice this ethic often becomes little more than lip service. Ruth and Natasha’s presentation on their work with youth showed us how we truly can live out the ideals of treating youth as consultants about real issues, They inspired me by the way they were able to elicit meaningful, respectful communication between workers and young people. It will be a moment I’ll take with me from here on out. 

– Jordan Aslett, MSW Student, Ryerson University

Narrative therapy reminds me that we all have the opportunity to learn from each other. Regular “conversations” can be so powerful. 

– Jennie Town, Child & Youth Counsellor, Toronto, ON

This four day workshop  provided an opportunity to understand the theoretical perspective of narrative therapy while highlighting  opportunities  in which the learning can be incorporated into my professional practice. The use of a ‘live therapeutic’ interview as a part of a training module was incredibly powerful on a professional and personal basis. 

– Elaine Quinn, Social Worker, Adoption Council of Ontrario, Toronto

I work in public health and would encourage all my colleagues to take this narrative intensive. 

– Eden Rockett

The summer training provided me with the experience to play with narrative ideas and techniques in a safe, supportive environment. I particularly enjoyed the use of videos of stories from specific people to illustrate theory and especially hope. 

– Nancy McHardy, Social Worker, Mississauga ON

This was a wonderful, enriching experience. I learned a great deal and look forward to incorporating what I’ve learned into my day-to-day work. I have been impacted on both a personal and professional level. 

– Julie Coote, Social Worker, North Bay ON

Having used narrative practices for a number of years this was a powerful inoculation; particularly during these times when the dominant discourses in social services can silence the uniqueness and complexity of our humanity, and the places where we connect, grow, and gather strength. It’s really been a special 4 days and will enrich my practice. 

– Kim Madden, therapist/consultant -Toronto

This training was a great way to really step back and reflect on my practice, and how I can better incorporate my own values into what I do. It gave me a great theoretical grounding, as well as really tangible practical questions I can ask my clients to help them find their own sources of strength. The facilitators were great and the group was really knowledgeable and supportive. 

– Amy Steele, Social Worker, Toronto

While having done some previous training in narrative practices this training gave me an opportunity to consolidate skills, and be exposed to new ideas as well. Angel is an excellent trainer and practitioner and I feel that my practice will be immensely enriched by this experience. 

– Chris Hill, Social Worker

The summer intensive was inspiring and energizing. I appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in more narrative ideas and ways of being with the families who consult with me. This was a lovely experience. 

– Tammy Dunn, Clinical Therapist, Simcoe, ON

I enjoyed the workshop very much, and appreciated the coherent integration of individual concepts into the whole. Thank you very much! Look forward to more intensives. 

– Joanne Cantor

I am deeply inspired to commit to ongoing ‘narrative inoculations’. It has rejuvenated my passion and commitment to the work. Thank you everyone who attended in co-creating a community of possibilities. 

– Suzanne Thompson, Art Therapist, Toronto

I find great pleasure writing about my wonderful experience during the 4 day narrative therapy intensive. It was an educative and very interactive process, where experienced practitioners, beginners and special guests were given a platform to engage in valuable discussions and experiential work. Books related to different aspects of narrative therapy were available for purchase and the teachers were very happy to guide us throughout the training. I would like to thank Angel Yuen, William Cooke, Margotte Kaczanowska , Volunteers and Special Guests who made our training memorable and enriching. 

– Bharti Vyas Sharma, Trainee Counsellor

I am so inspired and grateful to be a part of this 4-day journey of learning, reflecting, and experiencing. The mix of presentations, practice, small and large group discussions and demos has been so helpful. The narrative approaches presented both affirm the work I’m doing and provide so many new ideas, questions, and strategies. I so appreciate how anti-oppressive practice was woven throughout this training. This training is re-energizing me and will have a profound influence on my social work practice. 

– Jessica Manley, Social Worker

This was one of my favourite workshops; very informative and interesting. 

– Nirupa Thanablasingam

A marvelous de-posing of pathology and a restoration of meaning-making as important to, if not central to, coping and growing in life and love. 

– Shelagh Parsons, Alberta

The training has been such an enriching and rewarding experience. I have come away with so many practical tools that I can use in my practice of social work. 

– Laura Nicholson

As a newcomer to Narrative Therapy and its practices, I really appreciate the group exercises and the opportunity to engage the material and address any questions on the spot. There was so much support and great instructors/teachers that made this a wonderful learning experience. 

– Carol McLean

This course teaches us how to draw the stories from people in a non-judging way and how stories could be used to bring clients to a sense of awareness and affirmation. 

– Ching Yee Tan, Singapore

Angel has a gift of teaching that keeps people interested. My practice will never be the same. I am very thankful for this experience. 

– Stewart Leatherdale, Thamesville

What a powerful introduction and re-connection with Narrative ideas. Experiential exercises and accounts from the field are presented at a pace conducive to solidifying theoretical concepts and practice skills. Participants are left with lasting connections to other narrative practitioners and blossoms of new ideas to take back to practice. 

– Dale Giberson, MSW

This NTC class has been an awesome experience. New ideas, practice applications in many areas of counseling can be seen. I highly recommend immersing oneself for several days of learning, being, and doing. 

– Barbara Saunders, Chatham