In the context of starting a Housing First Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, the authors describe their use of Narrative Therapy and Narrative Practices while working alongside individuals facing problems with homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use. As many front line community workers responding to such problems are not trained counsellors, the authors provide an overview to Narrative Therapy, its key concepts, and how workers might use Narrative Practices as a non-expert, anti-oppressive, and social justice response. To illustrate the concepts and how they translate into everyday conversations with workers, Roy, a participant of the ACT program, shares his story of resistance to the influences of stigma and substances. Roy also offers a reflection on this paper. Practice questions are suggested to support alternative story development, and the relevance for child, youth, and family work is suggested.
- About Homelessness
- Doing Research
- Community Profiles
- Solutions
- Blog
- About Us
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness- Search
About UsCanadian Observatory on Homelessness
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
x
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Narrative Practices in Support of Frontline Community Work with Homelessness, Mental Health, and Substance Use
Publication Date:
2014
Pages:
240 – 257
Volume:
5
Issue:
2
Journal Name:
International Journal of Child, Youth & Family Studies
Location:
Vancouver, BC, Canada