Learn the Art of Holding a Story

“If people really knew, they’d see me differently.”
“I don’t want to talk about that part of my story.”
“It’s not that big of a deal—I’ve moved on.”


We hear words like these in the stories people share with us. They often carry what feels too exposed, too costly, or too risky to name.

So what do we do when we hear them?

In this live, online half-day session led by Dr. Dan Allender, you’ll explore how shame can take shape in response to suffering and harm. You'll also learn to recognize shame in a story, stay present to its impact, and respond in ways that create space for truth, dignity, and new understanding to emerge.

This 4-hour session includes live teaching from Dan, a viewing of a recorded story engagement, and a guided walkthrough of how he listened, discerned, and responded in real time. You will also have space to ask questions in an interactive Q&A time.

This is an invitation to stay present to the places in a story that feel hardest to name—and to witness what becomes possible when they are met with care, attention, and courage.

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.

Join Both and Gain a Broader Perspective on Story Engagement

Each Art of Story Engagement session is designed to stand on its own, but together they form a two-part training experience.

Stories of Shame with Dr. Dan Allender on May 9 and
Stories of Contempt with Rachael Clinton Chen on June 13

Includes 8 total CEUs when you participate in both sessions.

Register for both Art of Story Engagement sessions:

Or, choose a single registration for The Art of Story Engagement with Dan Allender on May 9:

Scholarships are available: We offer a limited number of need-based $100 scholarships for participants facing financial challenges or systemic barriers. To determine your eligibility, please refer to this Green Bottle Sliding Scale graphic designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. If you identify most with the “Quarter-Full Bottle” category of the scale, you are eligible for the $100 scholarship. Simply select the Scholarship Registration rate above—no questions asked.

This is a live, interactive training, and we’d love for you to join us in real time. To participate in this session, you must register before 8:30 AM PT on Saturday, May 9, 2026, so we can begin on time together. Late registrations will not be accepted.

All participants will receive three months of access to the session recordings, available through August 30, 2026, so you can revisit the material on your own schedule.

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.

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.