International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work

Dulwich Centre
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International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is a peer-reviewed journal for practitioners wanting to stay in touch with the latest ideas and developments in narrative practice. Practitioners from a range of different countries and contexts discuss the ideas and practices that are inspiring them, dilemmas they are grappling with, and the issues most dear to their hearts. Since 2023, the journal has included a range of multimedia content, including audio practice notes and recordings of significant papers from our archives. We are excited to share these with you through this podcast.

  1. Oct 9

    How we deal with autistic burnout by KJ Wiseheart

    KJ Wiseheart introduces the collective document “How we deal with Autistic burnout: A living document created by Autistic adults for Autistic adults”. This document was created through a series of interviews with lived experience experts who generously shared their skills and hard-won knowledges. KJ describes the process of creating this document, and how they endeavoured to adapt and localise existing practices of collective documentation for accessibility and cultural resonance with Autistic community values and ways of being. The document KJ describes can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.4320/WUJX2510 *** KJ Wiseheart is a multiply neurodivergent counsellor and narrative practitioner. They are committed to co-creating neurocosmopolitan conversations and communities where all neurocognitive differences in experience, communication and embodiment are appreciated and affirmed. KJ is also enthusiastically exploring therapeutic applications of tabletop role playing games. KJ is a graduate of the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work program at The University of Melbourne Wiseheart, K. J. (2024). How we deal with Autistic burnout: A living document created by Autistic adults for Autistic adults [Video file]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1), https://doi.org/10.4320/WUJX2510 *** References Denborough, D. (2008). Collective narrative practice: Responding to individuals, groups, and communities who have experienced trauma. Dulwich Centre Publications. Epston, D. (1999). Co-research: The making of an alternative knowledge. In Dulwich Centre (Ed.), Narrative therapy and community work: A conference collection. Dulwich Centre Publications. Higgins, J. M., Arnold, S. R. C., Weise, J., Pellicano, E., & Trollor, J. N. (2021). Defining autistic burnout through experts by lived experience: Grounded Delphi method investigating #AutisticBurnout. Autism, 25(8), 2356–2369. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211019858 Human, E. (2018). Emerging from burnout. In E. Bartmess (Ed.), Knowing why: Adult-diagnosed Autistic people on life and Autism (pp. 16–25). Autistic Press Lawson, Wenn. (2020). Adaptive morphing and coping with social threat in Autism: An Autistic perspective. Journal of Intellectual Disability – Diagnosis and Treatment, 8, 519–526. https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.03.29 Newman, D. (2008). “Rescuing the said from the saying of It”: Living documentation in narrative therapy. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (3), 24–34. Newman, D. (2016). How we deal with “way out thoughts”: A living document ways of talking with young people about suicidal thoughts. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (4), 59–66. Olinger, C. (2010). Privileging Insider-knowledges in the World of Autism. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (2), 37–50. Rozema, R., & Bass, C. (2019). Note from the editors: This moment of Arrival. Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture, 1(1), 4–5. https://doi.org/10.9707/2833-1508.1016 Sostar, T. (2019). Non-binary Superpowers! A collaborative conversation between non-binary youth in Adelaide, South Australia, and non-binary youth in Calgary, Alberta. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (2), 24–35. Straus, J. N. (2013). Autism as culture. In L. J. Davis (Ed.). The disability studies reader (pp. 460–485). Routledge. Tse, K. H. (2016). Collective narrative pr... Chapters (00:00:11) - Introduction and Acknowledgements(00:01:27) - Professional Context and Interest in Collective Narrative Practice(00:04:39) - Language Considerations in Narrative Practice(00:05:32) - Identity-First Language and Shifting Terminology(00:08:11) - Changing Signs and Symbols for Autism(00:09:48) - The Document as a Living, Evolving Text(00:12:14) - Understanding Autistic Culture(00:14:19) - Defining Autistic Burnout(00:17:00) - Masking, Adaptive Morphing, and the Real Problem(00:19:36) - Origins of the Project and the Online Workshop(00:22:17) - Designing an Accessible Invitation Process(00:24:00) - Honouring Autonomy and Autistic Culture in Methodology(00:25:59) - The Interview Questions(00:27:29) - Gathering Skills and Care After Conversations(00:29:11) - Structuring the Collective Document(00:30:04) - Feedback, Future Growth, and Closing Thoughts(00:32:35) - Podcast Outro and Credits

  2. Sep 17

    Saying hullo again by Michael White, read by Hamilton Kennedy

    This is an audio recording of a paper that was originally published in Dulwich Centre Newsletter, the precursor to this journal, in 1988. In 1998, it was republished in the book Introducing Narrative Therapy: A collection of practice-based writings. This groundbreaking paper introduces an alternative metaphor for working with those experiencing significant grief. Guided by the “saying hullo” metaphor, Michael White formulates and introduces questions to open up the possibility for persons to reclaim their relationship with a lost loved one. Additional information and a PDF of this paper are available at https://doi.org/10.4320/LMMX4360  *** Michael White was the co-founder of narrative therapy and of Dulwich Centre. Hamilton Kennedy is a researcher, animal lover and ex-patient of psychiatry. They are completing their PhD at La Trobe University. *** Original paper: White, M. (1988). Saying hullo again: The incorporation of the lost relationship in the resolution of grief. Dulwich Centre Newsletter, (Spring), 7–11. This recording: White, M. (2026). Saying hullo again: The incorporation of the lost relationship in the resolution of grief (H. Kennedy, Narr.) [Audio recording]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (2), https://doi.org/10.4320/000 (Original work published 1988) *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works are available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  Chapters (00:00:14) - Introduction: Saying Hello vs Saying Goodbye(00:01:15) - Delayed Grief and the Normative Grief Model(00:04:45) - Mary's Story: Unresolved Loss After Ron's Death(00:07:29) - Questions Inviting Mary to Reclaim Ron's Perspective(00:09:21) - Mary's Follow-up and John's Self-Esteem Struggles(00:12:12) - Exploring John's Mother's Death and New Questions(00:14:05) - John's Follow-up and Discussion Begins(00:16:13) - Narrative, Story, and Lived Experience Theory(00:19:58) - Selection and Circulation of Alternative Knowledges(00:22:11) - Consciousness of Self-Production and Authorship(00:24:07) - Applications: Loss of Young Children and Abused Children(00:27:28) - Adult Self-Abuse and Reclaiming Self-Acceptance(00:30:20) - Separation Losses Not Caused by Death(00:32:02) - Conclusion and Uniqueness of Grief(00:34:00) - Acknowledgments and References(00:36:04) - Closing Credits

  3. Sep 4

    Complexities of disability, chronic illness and able-bodied privilege by Gipsy Hosking

    In this episode, Gipsy Hosking shares her lived experience of chronic illness to give an introduction to disability politics. She invites the listener to investigate their own relationship to disability and able-bodied privilege and how this may show up in their narrative work. Gipsy shares with us the methodology (participant action research) that enabled her PhD research work (on young women’s lived experience of chronic illness) to also be a tool for social change and to create a positive impact for participants by the collective coming together and sharing of stories. Further information and a video version of this episode are available at https://doi.org/10.4320/GEZJ8486 You can read more about Gipsy's work in this open access article: Hosking, G. (2024). Resisting ableism in research design. The Qualitative Report, 29(12), 151–168. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7808  *** Gipsy Hosking lives with an invisible chronic illness called ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). She is interested in stories of illness and disability and how they shape both society and individuals. She is committed to raising awareness of disability politics and this includes unmasking able-body privilege and ableist assumptions. She is doing a PhD at the University of South Australia on the lived experience of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia and how this experience is shaped by the politics of gender and health. *** Hosking, G. (2023). Complexities of disability, chronic illness and able-bodied privilege [Video file]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/10.4320/GEZJ8486 Author pronouns: she/her ***  Reference Campbell, F. K. (2009). Contours of ableism: The production of disability and abledness. Palgrave Macmillan.Pease, B. (2010). Undoing privilege: Unearned advantage in a divided world. Zed Books. *** Notes DEFINITIONS Disableism: Disableism is a form of social oppression and refers to the social beliefs, actions, practices and assumptions that consciously and unconsciously oppress, exclude, marginalise and otherwise disadvantage people because of actual or assumed disability (Campbell, 2009; Pease, 2010). Ableism: The focus of ableism is on the devaluing of disability by valuing able-bodiedness as the presumed normal, and the accompanying belief that any impairment is inherently negative and should be treated or eliminated (Campbell, 2009). Campbell defines ableism as “a network of beliefs, processes and practices that produces a particular kind of self and body (the corporeal standard) that is projected as perfect and species-typical, and therefore essential and fully human. Disability then is cast as a diminished state of being human” (2009, p. 5). ME/CFS – myalgic encephalomyeltits/ chronic fatigue syndrome – a complex medical condition causing extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment (brain fog), pain, muscle weakness, sensitivity to lights/sound/chemicals. There is currently no diagnostic test or biomarker found. Fibromyalgia (Fibro): A chronic pain and inflammation condition that affects the whole body and has accompanying symptoms of extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment (brain fog), pain, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to lights/sound/chemicals. POTS – postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – Increased heart rate upon sitting or standing. Participant Action Research (PAR) – involving research participants as co-researchers in research method and design. Central is a desire to take action and transform social con...

  4. Aug 25

    We have always been here, we’ve been here before: Responding to ongoing anti-trans fascism and colonisation - Lorraine Grieves

    This episode highlights the importance of active response and continued resistance – not reaction – to the rise in transmisogyny, anti-trans and racist hate. Lorraine Grieves urges all caring adults, helpers and professionals to recognise how colonial, capitalist and white supremacist systems fuel a sense of overwhelm and can create embodied distress, especially for those under attack by these systems. LG invites us to be accountable and alert to how these forces often replicate themselves and can find their way into our practices within health care and therapy, especially when it comes to transgender and Two-Spirit health care. Lorraine introduces a potential tool and resource, the We Are Allies project, which is a Health Canada–funded initiative that uplifts Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse knowledges, teaches about mis- and disinformation, and (re)connects parents, new learners, potential allies and others with liberatory gender histories and information. Through storytelling and history, Lorraine calls for discernment, connection and local practices of care, rest and solidarity in resisting transphobia and fascism. Further information and a video version of this episode is available at https://doi.org/10.4320/SGJB1561 *** Lorraine Grieves (LG) is a Tastawiniyew (in-between person), Two-Spirit, Red River Métis. Adopted at birth and raised by the (English/Scottish) Grieves/Rothnie family, Lorraine grew up on the unceded and ancestral homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver, British Columbia. A “reconnecting person” with no reliable information about family ancestry in their adoption file, Lorraine has walked a long road over many years, finally finding their birth family, and as a result, learning about their Michif or Métis ancestry. Lorraine is a registered citizen of the Métis Nation BC, with matrilineal family ties to the historic Red River settlement with Grant, Monroe, Laderoute, Maskegan and Pilon family ties. These Michif ancestors lived, hunted and traded on lands spanning present-day Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba over many generations. They ultimately suffered culture loss, land dispossession and displacement through the Métis scrip system and other colonial measures aimed at weakening Indigenous peoples and gaining control of resources. LG has been blessed to be welcomed by their birth relatives and kin and is continuously learning from Métis community members, elders and knowledge holders including kookums/grandmothers Charlotte Nolin and Barbara Bruce. Lorraine holds several community responsibilities: as a parent and youth supporter, a registered clinical counsellor, a Two-Spirit community and ceremony family member, and as the Provincial Program Director of Trans Care BC. In this province-wide role, they’ve worked alongside a dedicated team to improve access to health care for trans, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people across the province of British Columbia, Canada. With a master’s degree in counselling psychology, Lorraine has worked in mental health and community care since the early 1990s. Their approach is grounded in collaboration, narrative practice, Indigenous and intersectional trans-feminist knowledges, and social justice. They are currently enjoying exploring digital storytelling, song, photography and film as tools for Two-Spirit resurgence, representation and connection. *** Grieves, L. (2025). We have always been here, we’ve been here before: Responding to ongoing anti-trans fascism and colonisation with history, storytelling, and connection to land and community [Video]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (2), https://doi.org/10.4320/SGJB1561 *** Ref... Chapters (00:00:00) - Transgender health care access stories(00:09:21) - Trans health care: two spirit people(00:22:23) - The history of the gender diverse person(00:23:48) - Advocates of Alarm and urgency(00:26:43) - Queer Trans Community's challenges during the Trump era

  5. Aug 7

    Unravelling trauma, co-creating relief and weaving resilience by Sabine Vermeire

    In times of hardship, talking directly about painful or traumatic experiences, overwhelming emotions, or problematic actions with children, young people or families can be difficult. As co-researchers, we invite children, youngsters and their families and networks to contribute in playful ways to unravelling the tentacles of hardship and re(dis)covering a sense of agency, belonging and coherence. Together, we look in unexpected corners for safe places to build a team of support and solidarity. In dis-covering a multiplicity of stories rather than being trapped in one dominant story of trauma or loss, we co-create relief and develop more coherent storylines that weave the experiences and stories about hardship into the fabric of their lives. Note: At the time of recording in 2023, Türkiye had just been struck by devastating earthquakes that killed over 50,000 people and displaced millions. Further information and a video of this presentation is available at https://dulwichcentre.com.au/unravelling-trauma-co-creating-relief-and-weaving-resilience-playful-collaborations-with-children-families-and-networks-by-sabine-vermeire/  *** Sabine Vermeire is a trainer, systemic and narrative psychotherapist and supervisor at the Interactie-Academie VZW, a training and therapy centre in Antwerp, Belgium. For more than 30 years she has worked with children, youngsters and families in multi-stress contexts and trauma. She prefers to leave the beaten tracks and work in creative ways when speaking becomes difficult. See Sabine’s book: Vermeire, S. (2023). Unravelling Trauma and Weaving Resilience with Systemic and Narrative Therapy: Playful Collaborations with Children, Families and Networks. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Unravelling-Trauma-and-Weaving-Resilience-with-Systemic-and-Narrative-Therapy/Vermeire/p/book/9780367766382 *** Vermeire, S. (2023). Unravelling trauma, co-creating relief and weaving resilience: Playful collaborations with children, families and networks [Video file]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/10.4320/RRVF1380 *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works are available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org

  6. Jul 24

    My favourite questions by Jill Freedman, read by Esther Benz

    In this recording of a favourite paper from the journal’s archives, Jill Freedman offers three sets of questions that she names as “favourites” in her own work. The first two sets of questions are ones therapists can ask clients. The first set may help people link their lives with others. The second may help people organise their experiences into narratives. The third is a question that therapists can ask themselves to help them come to questions that promote experiential involvement. Additional information and a PDF of this paper are available at https://dulwichcentre.com.au/my-favourite-questions-by-jill-freedman-read-by-esther-benz/  *** Original paper: Freedman, J. (2011). My favourite questions. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (4), 3–8. This recording: Freedman, J. (2023). My favourite questions (E. Benz, Narr). International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/10.4320/ZUSE9222 *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works are available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  Chapters (00:00:16) - My Favourite Questions in Narrative Therapy(00:09:46) - The Impact of People in My Life(00:13:10) - What Would You Say Was the Turning Point?(00:14:25) - Zac on the Turning Point(00:22:17) - Questions in Narrative Therapy

  7. Jul 10

    Planet stories: Using AI-generated science fiction to externalise conflict by Andrea Ng

    Externalising can be useful in addressing conflict in relationships. It can provide space for deconstruction, the consideration of shared values and new meaning-making. It also avoids the labelling and deficit identity conclusions that can accompany internalised accounts. This audio practice note describes an emerging practice for working with couples experiencing conflict: using an artificial intelligence tool to generate science fiction stories to support the externalising of a problem and open space for reauthoring conversations. Andrea Ng Siu Har shares her work with Amy (pseudonym), whose husband valued punctuality while Amy preferred to prioritise being relaxed over arriving on time. As part of a playful enquiry into this cultural difference between the spouses, Andrea and Amy prompted ChatGPT to produce a science fiction story about daily life on a planet whose inhabitants were always late. As well as being funny and resonant, the resulting story helped to elicit Amy’s own values and to identify skills she had developed, including being able to remain calm and work quickly under pressure. It also prompted discussion of the family history of these skills and values. A subsequent AI story about a planet whose inhabitants were impatient facilitated insight into Amy’s husband’s perspective, and prompted conversations about shared values and the work of achieving mutual understanding, accommodation and harmony. Andrea also shares some cautions for working with AI in this way, and emphasises the importance of keeping the person, and their knowledge and preferences, at the centre. *** Andrea Ng is an independent narrative-informed family consultant in Hong Kong, with a key focus on supporting families with children/teenagers diagnosed with autism, ADHD and special educational needs. She passionately incorporates expressive arts like drama, music, and song writing into her narrative-informed work with people.  Ng, A. (2023). Planet stories: Using AI-generated science fiction to externalise conflict in relationships [Audio recording]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/ 10.4320/HBYV4869 *** Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MARS_THE_RED_PLANET.jpg  *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works are available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  Chapters (00:00:00) - A Sharing about Narrative Therapy(00:00:54) - Using the Planet Method to Respond to Conflicts in Relationships(00:06:51) - Amy's Story About Her Husband

  8. Jun 26

    On critical thinking by Mary Heath

    In this recording of a favourite paper from the journal’s archives, Mary Heath sets out a personal history of her journey toward becoming a critical thinker. She considers two common barriers to critical thinking: cultural disapproval of critique, and confusing critical thinking with criticism. In response, Mary argues that rigorous thinking offers benefits – and not only risks – to cultures as well as individuals. The paper considers where cultural resources supportive of critique might be found. Further, Mary argues that critical analysis should be understood (and undertaken) as a process of collaborative support for rigorous thinking rather than as a form of hostile criticism. Some dimensions of critical thinking are outlined, together with questions that might allow readers to apply them to specific contexts. The paper closes with some reflections on the process of writing in which some of these dimensions of critical thinking are applied to the paper itself. Additional information and a PDF of this paper are available at https://dulwichcentre.com.au/on-critical-thinking-by-mary-heath-read-by-mary-heath/  *** Original paper: Heath, M. (2012). On critical thinking. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (4), 11–18. This recording: Heath, M. (2024). On critical thinking (M. Heath, Narr.) [Audio recording]. International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, (1). https://doi.org/10.4320/TOGS7956 (Original work published 2012) *** International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is published by Dulwich Centre Foundation. More about this recording and a treasure trove of articles, videos, and multimedia works are available from https://narrativetherapyjournal.org  It’s all free to access and share with no log-in required. Dulwich Centre is located on the land of the Kaurna people. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and pay respect to Elders past and present. https://narrativetherapyjournal.org Chapters (00:00:12) - On Critical Thinking by Mary Heath(00:02:48) - Critical Thinking in Australia(00:10:54) - Barriers to Critical Thinking(00:13:13) - Critical Thinking in the 21st Century(00:24:19) - Critical Thinking and Communication(00:34:02) - The Overt and Implicit Messages(00:36:36) - Putting Critical Thinking to Use in the First Person(00:38:34) - Critical Thinking in the Western World

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International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is a peer-reviewed journal for practitioners wanting to stay in touch with the latest ideas and developments in narrative practice. Practitioners from a range of different countries and contexts discuss the ideas and practices that are inspiring them, dilemmas they are grappling with, and the issues most dear to their hearts. Since 2023, the journal has included a range of multimedia content, including audio practice notes and recordings of significant papers from our archives. We are excited to share these with you through this podcast.

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