CFI Training
Learn to hold space differently.
Narrative therapy training for therapists who want to work outside the manual.
"The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem."
Our work centers collaboration over diagnosis, curiosity over certainty, and a deep respect for the stories that shape identity and possibility. Narrative therapy is our core—a practice rooted in honoring each person's expertise on their own life.
We draw from postmodern and post-oppositional traditions that attend to culture, power, and context. Training at CFI is oriented toward service, community, and relational responsibility—a clear move away from a purely medicalized model of care.
How Training Works
Your journey at CFI
Supervised Clinical Work
Work directly with clients through the CFI counseling center, applying narrative practices in real therapeutic relationships.
Supervised Clinical Work
Work directly with clients through the CFI counseling center, applying narrative practices in real therapeutic relationships.
Ongoing Consultation
Receive guidance and supervision from Chris Hoff and Elizabeth Armstrong, seasoned practitioners in narrative therapy.
Ongoing Consultation
Receive guidance and supervision from Chris Hoff and Elizabeth Armstrong, seasoned practitioners in narrative therapy.
Workshops & Training
Engage in sessions covering narrative therapy, post-oppositional practices, community action, conflict resolution, and social entrepreneurship.
Workshops & Training
Engage in sessions covering narrative therapy, post-oppositional practices, community action, conflict resolution, and social entrepreneurship.
Learning Community
Join a community of helpers, learners, and unlearners committed to reflective practice and relational responsibility.
Learning Community
Join a community of helpers, learners, and unlearners committed to reflective practice and relational responsibility.
Training Leadership
Learn from experienced practitioners
Chris Hoff
Ph.D., LMFT
Executive Director
Chris teaches narrative practice and post-oppositional approaches, bringing a community-centered, creative lens to training. He is the host of The Radical Therapist podcast and author at Liminal Lab.
Learn more
Elizabeth Armstrong
MA, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
With roots in teaching and Head Start, Elizabeth brings a collaborative, human-first approach to supervision. She helps new clinicians build confidence through curiosity and warmth.
Learn moreGet a Taste of Our Training
Explore narrative practice
Narrative & Pizza
A free, small-group training in narrative therapy offered approximately once every other month. Follow us on Instagram for the latest event announcements.
Follow on InstagramLiminal Lab
Patreon
An experimental learning space from CFI with deep dives, practice guides, and reflections on narrative therapy and radical helping.
SubscribeLiminal Lab
Substack
Chris Hoff's writing on narrative therapy, helping, and the future of the field. Fresh perspectives delivered to your inbox.
ReadCalifornia Family Institute (Provider #100083) is approved by CAMFT to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs.
Ready to train with us?
If you're interested in practicum placement, associate training, or university partnership, reach out and tell us about your program and goals.