The Art of Narrative

Whether you are working with clients that include students, family members, those in the workplace, or the community, The Art of Narrative can be a valuable resource for building better relationships. This is a practical guide for deepening facilitation skills using structured questions that align with restorative practices within circle processes. Useful exercises allow practitioners to enjoy the building blocks found in each chapter to learn post-modern narrative processes so the storyteller is the center of attention rather than the facilitator.Each concept introduced within the chapters is meant to be read, then practiced before moving on to learn what the next chapter contains. The book describes conversational ideas and practices that originate from narrative therapy. Each chapter requires time and space to understand its effectiveness, so take your time and enjoy the journey as it unfolds for you, the reader. The Art of Narrative is focused on inspiring practitioners in the field of restorative practices to consider different ways of thickening stories. Since narrative facilitation does not give advice, the preference is to thicken the story, allowing the emotional brain to have time to assimilate and accommodate new information. New insights can be discovered when facilitators learn to guide storytellers in this way. By reading this book, students can quickly learn to be better listeners and stay present to others in everyday conversations. This awareness builds empathy and upholds the dignity within every person we come in contact with.Originally from South Africa, Dr. Frida Rundell brings decades of experience and has presented at conferences, workshops, and in her courses in over 10 countries. As a founding professor at International Institute for Restorative Practices in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, she continues to integrate trauma and narrative work into everyday living as a restorative practitioner. She earned her Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Natal, South Africa, and her PhD in Community Psychology from the University of Zululand, South Africa. She is a licensed professional counselor in the USA. Read more