Learning Objectives:

  1. Develop working knowledge of narrative humanization techniques and approaches.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to begin applying narrative humanization techniques when addressing stigmatization and stereotyping within diverse communities.
  3. Compare and contrast narrative humanization approaches with other common modalities used to address stigma and biases.

Abstract:

The breakout topic will aim to educate social workers on the use of narrative humanization to address stigmatization and stereotyping within the communities they serve. By sharing stories of lived experiences and ongoing challenges, members of groups who are often socially isolated are given the opportunity to tell their own stories. This chance to narrate their own experiences of marginalization provides social workers with the opportunity to see these individuals as complete human beings, rather than reducing them to just one aspect of their many intersecting identities. Furthermore, learning directly from the specific population reduces misunderstandings of their needs, challenges, and goals. Through the utilization of narrative humanization, the social work profession will continue to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and more effectively bridge service gaps.

Biography:

Dr. Kristin Spooner LICSW, CST with The Radical Social Worker

Dr. Kristin Spooner is a Doctor of Social Work, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who provides psychotherapy, assessments, consulting, coaching, and other educational services. Dr. Spooner’s areas of practice and scholarship include problematic sexual behaviors, anti-stigma interventions, pedophilic disorder and minor-attraction, medically accurate and pleasure-focused comprehensive sexual education, antiracism, intersectionality, cultural humility, BDSM/Kink, non-monogamous and monogamous relationships, sexual compulsivity, suicide prevention, and erectile disorders.