As human beings, we don’t just experience events — we interpret them. We search for patterns, reasons, and coherence. We make meaning. When clients come to therapy, they are often struggling not just with a problem, but with a disruption in meaning — a story that no longer fits, a life direction that feels unclear, or a version of self that feels disconnected. Meaning making is at the heart of what helps people heal, grow, and move forward.

Over the next two days, we will explore how meaning is constructed through stories, how these stories shape identity, and how therapeutic conversations can support people in reshaping the stories they live by. Although rooted in theory, this course is designed to be experiential, reflective, and practical. It includes a blend of teaching input, interactive peer activities, self-reflection, case-study exploration and group discussion.

My hope is that this journey not only gives you new tools and concepts to bring to your professional work, but also invites reflection into your own story, identity and meaning making journey. So, whether you’re a newly graduated psychology student, a practicing wellness counsellor looking to expand your therapeutic toolkit, a social worker, life coach, someone passionate about personal growth, reflective practice and therapeutic dialogue, or simply curious – this course is for you!

Course Outline:

• Understand the psychological concept of meaning making and its relevance to well-being and therapeutic work
• Recognise the significance of stories and how identity is shaped through stories
• Recognise how culture and social context influence meaning making and identity formation
• Describe the theoretical foundation of Narrative Therapy and understand key influences like Social Constructionism, Post-Structuralism the role of language, discourse and power
• Identify and apply fundamental principles of Narrative Practice
• Define the role of Narrative Counsellor, and understand the counsellor’s stance of curiosity, collaboration and respect
• Understand Narrative-style questioning
• Understand and begin practicing the fundamental Narrative techniques, ‘Externalization, Mapping the Effects, Deconstruction, Unique Outcomes, Re- Authoring, Documenting Change’ in a practical, grounded, and human-centred way in real-world counselling contexts

About the Presenter

I’m Deidri Jones, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor passionate about assisting people reconnect with hope, strength, and meaning in their lives. I believe that people are not defined by their problems — they are shaped by their values, dreams, experiences and the unique journeys they’ve walked. This belief led me to Narrative Therapy, a respectful and collaborative approach to counselling that helps people separate themselves from the problem and reconnect with what matters most to them.

I first encountered Narrative Therapy in 2012, and it continues to shape my work in deeply meaningful ways.At the heart of my practice is the creation of a safe, non-judgemental space where clients are, seen, heard, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges. I honour each person’s story and walk alongside them as they re-author new stories with dignity and purpose.

If you are curious about this way of working , I invite you to join my 2-day short course “Introducing Narrative Therapy Through the Lens of Meaning Making”.  You will discover new tools and concepts to bring to your professional work while embarking on a journey of personal growth and reflective practice.

“Introducing Narrative Therapy through the Lens of Meaning Making” was curated as part of our new Humanitas Graduates’ initiatives programme that empowers our Counselling Course Graduates to become course developers.

Each course developed by our graduates undergoes a thorough review process to guarantee its excellence.