The question came up on the Working Stories list -- how do you define "narrative practitioner?"

Seth Kahan offered this definintion:

For me a narrative practitioner is someone who applies the notion that human beings deal with their experience by constructing stories and listening to the stories of others. As practitioners our day-to-day lives, including our work, are informed by this approach. We see human activity and experience as meaningful and recognize that stories are a primary vehicle by which this meaning is relayed, shared, and constructed.

Madelyn Blair added:

I think I'll build on Seth's points to say that there is another dimension to a narrative practitioner. Knowing and understanding the role and power that story (narrative) plays in our lives, we use that understanding with a keen sense of humility and respect for others.

Glory Ressler chimed in with:

For me, a narrative practitioner is a person who professionally and responsibly uses story-based concepts and tools and promotes an understanding of the important influence story plays in our individual, organizational and communal lives.

I also believe that the values the individual practitioner brings to his/her practice significantly impact the quality and outcomes of the work.