We're excited to announce that in July of 2003, Liverpool will be the focus of a range of training events in narrative therapy and community work, culminating in our 5th International Conference. This invigorating practice-based conference will be held over three days and two nights. Participants from a wide range of disciplines and countries will gather to explore the latest thinking in relation to narrative therapy and community work.

Carrying on the energy and thoughtfulness of this year's conference in Atlanta, USA, and previous conferences held in Australia, this Liverpool event promises the very latest thinking in narrative practice. Therapists, counsellors, nurses, teachers, doctors, psychologists, social workers and community workers from many different parts of the world will come together to discuss and share hopeful work that is happening with individuals, couples, families and communities.

We have chosen Liverpool as the venue for this conference because it is a port through which the histories of the peoples of Britain, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Americas all intersect. We believe these histories will provide the context for a unique event.

Within the conference there will be a range of forums for conversations including: keynote addresses, skills-based seminars, practice- based workshops, and informal conversations in a range of settings. Launches of newly released books and journals will also take place, and throughout the event there will be many opportunities to talk informally with authors and presenters.

PRESENTATIONS WITHIN THE CONFERENCE WILL INCLUDE:

Working with issues associated with: children, mental health issues, couples, addictions, survivors and perpetrators of violence, young people, eating issues, mediation, supervision, teaching/training, death and dying, schools, practices of witnessing, reflecting teams, family therapy, HIV/AIDS, reclamation of cultural healing ways, coming to terms with family histories, working with gay, lesbian and transgender experiences, introductory and advanced practice-based sessions, community gatherings, spirituality, adoption, social services, considerations of culture and gender in therapy, healing the legacies of the past AND many more!

TRAINING EVENTS SURROUNDING THE CONFERENCE:

The conference is to be surrounded by a diversity of events. Experienced therapists and teachers will be holding one, two and five day workshops prior to the conference. Other events that will surround the conference include a women's gathering and a range of dinners and welcome lunches. A number of free events will also take place - including a free introductory workshop on narrative therapy, and a free evening talk by Michael White. We suggest you book in for a number of events and so make the most of your time in Liverpool!
HIGHLIGHTS

• International Conference - Three days and two evenings of conversations and presentations on the latest ideas and practices in relation to narrative therapy and community work.
• Presenters from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ireland, England, Norway, Samoa, Wales, South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Israel, USA, Mexico, and elsewhere!
• Skills-based sessions and practice-based workshops from key practitioners working in a range of different settings on a diversity of issues.
• Keynote addresses on the issues facing therapists and community workers from different communities from around the world.
• An inclusive and care-taking context for participants.
• Book launches and special events.
• A thoughtful and yet festive atmosphere with music, massage and informal conversations complementing rigorous practice-based discussions.
• Opportunities to meet with colleagues from around the world.
• Two weeks of training events... including free workshops and discussions.