What is Narrative Exposure Therapy?

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is an evidenced-based treatment for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is specifically designed for individuals with complex trauma histories who continue to suffer from the impact of having multiple and prolonged threats to their life or their social/physical integrity.

NET is a robust, culturally universal intervention that is flexible enough to work with children and adults across contexts and is effective in low-resources settings. A key component of NET is the construction of a chronological narrative of the client’s life story with a focus on traumatic events. The process involves exposure to traumatic events in a way that contextualizes trauma by weaving together previously fragmented memory into a coherent narrative.

NET is a short-term treatment that allows clients to experience symptom relief quickly and effectively. Research has demonstrated significant relief with a few as 3-6 sessions. Narrative Exposure Therapy is not part of Narrative Therapy. Instead it is guided by the principles of testimony therapy and behavioral exposure and rooted in the neuroscience of traumatic stress.

Broadly, NET consists of:

• Psychoeducation

• Documentation of biography

• Use of narration for human rights work and client’s personal use

For more information, see Vivo International or the NET Manual.

MN-TRI hosts a monthly NET consultation group for anyone who has received NET training and would like ongoing support.

The group is a donation-based group (donation is not required). At least one member of the US-based NET training team is present at the consultation groups in addition to providers across the twin-cities area who are using NET with their clients.

The group is a space where you can check in on your NET cases, sharing successes and challenges, and pose questions to the group. The group is also a space where we can reflect together on what it is like for us to provide NET and offer each other support.

Group Info:

• Currently held virtually

• Every third Friday of the month from noon-1pm

• Open to all people who have previously been trained in NET

• Donation NOT required. If you chose to donate to MN-TRI, the suggested amount is $5-$25.

Individual NET Supervision

MN-TRI offers fee-based supervision or consultation for practitioners using NET and wanting additional individualized support.

Depending on your needs, this service can be a one-time consultation for a difficult case or ongoing supervision.

Our fee is $180/hour. This fee can be split for dyadic supervision. If this fee is a barrier, please reach out to us, and we can discuss reduced-rates.

To request consultation or supervision, email info@mntri.org.