ODL 411: Rewriting the Story: Effective Clinical Application of Narrative Therapy in Mental Health Practice

Created On:  5/13/26                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

Narrative Therapy offers clinicians a powerful framework for helping clients separate themselves from their problems, reclaim personal agency, and construct empowering life stories. This webinar provides mental health providers with an in-depth understanding of the philosophy, structure, and techniques that guide effective Narrative Therapy practice. Participants will explore ways to externalize problems, identify dominant and alternative narratives, and highlight client strengths and values. Through case examples, discussion, and applied practice, providers will learn to integrate Narrative Therapy with diverse cultural backgrounds and clinical presentations. The session emphasizes collaboration, meaning-making, and fostering resilience through intentional storytelling practices.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Analyze the theoretical foundations and core principles of Narrative Therapy and their relevance to contemporary mental health practice.
• Apply Narrative Therapy techniques such as externalizing conversations, mapping the influence of problems, and story reconstruction to support client empowerment and healing.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and cultural responsiveness of Narrative Therapy interventions across diverse client populations and presenting concerns.

Presenter:

Shama Panjwani, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, CCMHC

Dr. Shama Panjwani is an Asian-Indian speaker and expert in trauma-informed care, focusing on attachment, immigration, cultural/racial, and intergenerational traumas while integrating holistic wellness approaches to addressing trauma in a culturally competent manner. She is currently a professor in the clinical mental health counseling program at Keiser University. Dr. Panjwani has a private practice, SoHolisticEnergy Counseling & Consultation, LLC, where she provides clinical services to clients and supervisees. She also provides consulting services to organizations and institutions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) and workplace wellness.

Dr. Panjwani has a PhD in counselor education and supervision with a specialization in cross-cultural psychology and organizational leadership. She is a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, a board certified telemental health provider, licensed professional counselor and an approved clinical supervisor. 

Her research presentations and publication focus on topics such as reducing mental health stigma, immigration, acculturation, trauma, social justice and advocacy, multiculturalism and diversity, psychedelic-assisted therapy, crisis counseling, as well as approaches used to increase cross-cultural awareness and wellness, and leadership skills within academia and other institutions. Dr. Panjwani has been working in the mental health field for more than 9 years. She is actively involved in doing consultations, workshops, and presentations to create awareness and destigmatize mental health and wellness for the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC ) community on an individual and organizational level by increasing their access to effective and culturally responsive treatment.