Catching The Winds Of Change Conference

Program highlights

Faculty and certification

Full biographies and credentials for the conference faculty are collected on the Faculty page.

The Brief Therapy Network has long been a gathering place for practitioners drawn to the collaborative and relational spirit of narrative therapy. Conference gatherings over the years have offered spaces where curiosity and dialogue flourish, bringing together clinicians, theorists, and trainers from diverse backgrounds. These events reflect a commitment to exploring how lives are shaped by stories and how therapeutic conversations can open new possibilities. Participants have shared in roundtable discussions, intensive workshops, and keynote addresses that challenge conventional ideas and invite multiple perspectives. The network continues to foster a community where evidence, practice, and innovation meet in meaningful exchange.

Narrative therapy, as explored through the network's conferences, draws on the foundational ideas of thinkers who emphasized the social and relational nature of meaning-making. Attendees have engaged with transcripts, papers, and dialogues that reveal how identity is constructed through language and community. The conferences have provided a platform for examining the intersections of systemic thought, collaborative practice, and clinical application. By weaving together voices from different traditions, these gatherings have deepened understanding of how therapists can remain curious and respectful in their work. The result is a rich tapestry of ideas that continue to influence training and practice.

The conference history includes gatherings that offered certificate programs and intensive training days for those seeking to deepen their expertise. These programs have combined theoretical grounding with practical skill-building, allowing participants to integrate narrative and brief therapy approaches into their clinical work. The collaborative nature of these events encourages shared learning, where both seasoned practitioners and newcomers contribute to the conversation. Through workshops and presentations, attendees have explored topics such as evidence-based practice, therapeutic curiosity, and the importance of context in shaping lives. Such opportunities reflect the network's dedication to ongoing professional development and community connection.

A distinctive feature of these conferences has been the emphasis on dialogue over monologue, with roundtable conversations and open forums that invite genuine exchange. This format honors the relational ethics central to narrative and brief therapies, where knowledge emerges from shared inquiry rather than expert pronouncement. Participants have described these gatherings as spaces where wisdom and compassion are cultivated through attentive listening and thoughtful questioning. The conferences have also featured interviews and discussions with influential authors and practitioners, offering glimpses into the landscapes of ideas that shape contemporary therapy. This dialogical spirit remains a hallmark of the network's events.

Looking back at the conference history reveals a community dedicated to innovation and connection across geographic and disciplinary boundaries. From gatherings in Halifax to other locations, the network has strung together events that reflect a common meaning and purpose. The themes of curiosity, collaboration, and respect for multiple stories have woven through each conference, creating continuity even as ideas evolve. These events have produced lasting resources, including papers, documents, and recordings that continue to inform practice. The Brief Therapy Network remains a vital collective for those committed to the ongoing conversation about how therapy can be both effective and deeply human.