Learn the Art of Holding a Story

Have you ever found yourself listening to someone share a meaningful story—and wondered how to respond in a way that feels truly helpful?

In our personal lives, workplaces, and ministries, we encounter stories every day. But engaging with someone’s story—really joining them in it—is an art. And it’s one we can all learn.

Join renowned author, therapist, and teacher Dr. Dan Allender for a powerful, live half-day training where you’ll gain practical tools for engaging with your own story and the stories of others in deeper, more meaningful ways.
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What You'll Learn

This four-part training will introduce you to essential practices in story engagement, with a mix of teaching, real-life examples, and interactive reflection:

  • Session 1 - How to Read a Story You’ve Been Given: Learn how to listen with depth and discernment by watching Dr. Allender model real-time story engagement* and explain his process.

  • Session 2 - How to Read Your Own Story: Discover how your personal story shapes the way you engage with others—and how greater self-awareness can lead to deeper connection.

  • Session 3 - Engaging with Story in Everyday Settings: Explore how story engagement can naturally show up in daily life, transforming ordinary conversations into moments of healing and insight.

  • Session 4 - Live Q&A with Dr. Allender: Bring your questions and gain live insight from Dr. Allender during an interactive closing session.

* Content Advisory: The example story shared during the training includes themes of childhood sexual abuse. Some descriptions may be explicit. If this content may be triggering for you, please take care in deciding whether to participate and consider how you might best engage with support.

Step into your role as a compassionate witness to the stories that shape our lives.

This Half-Day Training Includes:

  • Live Teaching

    Experience live, online teaching from Dr. Dan Allender with the opportunity to ask your questions.

  • 4 CEUs included

    Continuing education units (CEUs) for professional therapists are included with your registration.

  • A Taste of NFTC

    This training offers a unique preview of some of the themes covered in Narrative Focused Trauma Care training.

Register for The Art of Story Engagement by May 10th!

This is a live, interactive training with Dr. Dan Allender, and we’d love for you to join us in real time. To participate, you must register by Saturday, May 10, 2025. Late registrations will not be accepted.

All participants will receive three months of access to the session recordings, available through August 30, 2025, so you can revisit the material on your own schedule.

This is a rare opportunity to join Dr. Allender live, and it won’t be offered again soon, so secure your spot today!

Be part of this in-depth training with Dr. Dan Allender:

We want this training to be accessible to all. Register at the regular rate, or choose the need-based scholarship pricing—whichever best fits your current situation.

Training a Group?

Bring your team and save.

Whether you're part of a pastor cohort, counseling practice, Bible study, or leadership team, we offer group discounts to make it easier to learn together.

Groups of 4 or more qualify for discounted pricing. Click below to request a custom quote for your group.
Get a Custom Quote

About Dr. Dan Allender

Dr. Dan Allender is a pioneer of a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy known as Narrative Focused Trauma Care®.

With over thirty years of experience, his work has helped countless individuals find healing by connecting their stories to the gospel's message of hope. He co-founded both The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and the Allender Center and is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Healing The Wounded Heart.

Dan and his wife Becky live on Bainbridge Island, where they enjoy time with their grandchildren and their three adult children.
Learn more about the Allender Center