Narrative Focused Trauma Care® Level III

Level III is a space to grow not only in technique, but in identity — to mature as a leader whose life and work are increasingly aligned.

Building on the foundation of Level I and the facilitation practice of Level II, Level III moves beyond competency into integration. You won’t simply refine your skills — you will deepen your capacity to lead Story Groups with wisdom, courage, and discernment.

Level III is for those who sense that Narrative Focused Trauma Care® is not just something they do, but something they are called to embody within their communities.

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Level III is an advanced, immersive training for those who demonstrate readiness and aptitude to carry this work with greater responsibility, depth, and discernment.

You’ll participate in peer-led consultation groups, receive personalized one-on-one coaching from Allender Center Lead Facilitators, and join dynamic teaching sessions that equip you to lead your own Story Groups.

These experiences provide valuable opportunities to sharpen your facilitation skills and gain practical feedback, as you deepen your understanding of how your own story shapes the way you lead and inspire healing in individuals and communities.

About Level III

Learning Outcomes of Level III:

Through 8 monthly training sessions, you will:

Develop advanced knowledge and deeper understanding of the Narrative Focused Trauma Care model
Learn to effectively utilize Narrative Focused Trauma Care in group settings
Begin to identify and skillfully respond to various dynamics; for example, the reenactment of story in group
Learn to engage and lead through relational rupture within a Story Group, and move toward repair to bring about restoration and healing
Develop your personal application of the methodology and hone in on your particular style of facilitation that is informed by your unique story
Gain the practical skills involved with starting and running a Story Group from beginning to end in your own context

Your Training Experience

Level III training includes a monthly meeting rhythm designed to help you break down, understand, and apply the content, and increase competency of theory application as it applies to group work. Over the course of this training, you’ll receive a total of 85 hours of dedicated instruction, coaching, and consultation to support the development of your practitioner skills.

Hands-on Praxis

NFTC Level III Story Group sessions expand the focus from one-on-one engagements to group facilitation. Throughout Level III, you will have the opportunity to practice your group leadership skills in three distinctly different settings: your Level III Story Group sessions, your peer consult group, and the Capstone Project Story Group that you will create and lead.

Teaching Sessions

We intentionally keep this cohort small, creating an optimal environment for interactive learning through large group discussions and breakout sessions. NFTC Level III provides condensed, focused teaching sessions that integrate extensive workshopping of NFTC core categories, story vignettes and live story engagements. Deep dives into specific topics will be offered by a variety of guest instructors in addition to the core teaching that is provided by the team of Lead Facilitators.

Monthly Coaching and Consulting

Between training sessions, you will participate in monthly Consult Groups with peers from your cohort. These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to practice facilitation, receive Story Group consultation, and continue developing your skills with support and feedback from your fellow participants.

In addition to this, you will engage in two individual 50 minute consultation sessions with your Level III Lead Facilitator. The first session will focus on reviewing the facilitation practice you’ve had in the program up to that point, helping you gain deeper insight into your facilitation style as a group leader. The second session will involve reviewing a video recording of you leading your Capstone Project Story Group, offering individualized coaching from your seasoned Allender Center Lead Facilitator around the experience of leading your own group.

Curriculum Grounded in Theology & Psychology

Each monthly training day focuses on a specific theme, and together you will explore how to engage with it personally, how it informs your story work, and how it shows up in a Story Group setting. Past topics have included: using embodiment in group facilitation, unpacking relational styles shaped by family-of-origin roles, examining group dynamics to identify how stories unfold in community, exploring the impact of shame on facilitation, and cultivating resilience to engage conflict within groups.

Capstone Project: Leading a Story Group in Your Own Context

To equip participants with the skills to facilitate story work in a group setting, each Level III participant will lead a 7-8 week Story Group during the winter/spring of 2027. Ideally, these groups will be hosted within the participant’s own community and filled through personal outreach and recruitment. For those unable to establish a group in their context, the Allender Center may offer some support in filling a group.

The Allender Center will provide comprehensive resources, supervision, and guidance to help create an experience that reflects our facilitated Story Groups. As part of the Capstone Project, participants will have access to our To Be Told: Story Group Edition online course, which offers structured week-to-week material, including:

Psychoeducation and teachings from Dr. Dan Allender on trauma and story engagement
Downloadable resources and guides
Self-reflection exercises to deepen group participants’ learning between sessions

Additionally, Story Group peer consultation will be an integral component of the NFTC Level III training, providing a collaborative space for feedback, growth, and shared learning.

Eligibility to Become Certified in NFTC

Upon successful completion of the program, Level III Trained participants are eligible to apply to have their skills reviewed by our Certification Review Committee and become recognized as NFTC Certified. Read more about the value and process to become Certified in NFTC.

Benefits of Completing Level III Training

Documented completion of 85 seat hours for those seeking CEUs
Upon successful completion of the program, the designation of Level III Trained in Narrative Focused Trauma Care, with the option to apply to be recognized as NFTC Certified.
Eligibility for listing in the NFTC Directory as Level III Trained, or as NFTC Certified upon approval of your certification application.

Dates & Locations

Dates for Level III Training

NFTC Level III training is completely virtual, so you can participate from wherever you are. As a trainee, you’ll participate in eight monthly intensive training sessions, featuring live teaching and interactive small group work, as well as one orientation session prior to the first session.

2026-2027 Program Dates:

The Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level III program will take place virtually on the following dates. For our very first and very last training days, we will meet on Friday as well as Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM PST). All other training days occur once per month on a Friday (8 AM – 4 PM PST).

Orientation: August 27, 2026 (3-5 PM PT)
September 4 – 5, 2026
October 2, 2026
November 6, 2026
December 11, 2026
January 8, 2027
February 12, 2027
March 5, 2027
April 2 – 3, 2027

In between monthly training sessions, you will also be expected to meet virtually with your Consult Group approximately once a month (~1-2 hrs). You will work together with your Consult Group members to schedule these meetings for a time/date that works for everyone.

Costs & Scholarships

Program Costs for Level III Training

Virtual Cohort: $5,295

Upon receiving your notification of acceptance to NFTC Level III, you will be invited to complete your enrollment through our course portal. This step confirms your place in the program and includes selecting the payment option that best supports you.

During enrollment, you may choose to:

Pay in full
Pay in 4 monthly installments
Pay in 8 monthly installments

Your spot is secured when you select your payment option and submit your first payment. A $500 portion of the total program cost is designated as a non-refundable deposit.

Limited partial scholarships are also available; see below.

Scholarships Are Available

We believe in the importance of this work and do our best to make this offering accessible. If the cost of the program is a barrier, we encourage you to invite your community to consider sponsoring you. We are also grateful to be able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships thanks to the generosity of our donor community.

For the 2026-27 program year, two scholarship tiers are available. The majority of awards are offered at the 15% scholarship level, with a more limited number of 25% scholarships reserved for applicants with significant financial need.

15% Scholarship: $719.25 off
25% Scholarship: $1,198.75 off

Scholarship instructions are provided during the application submission process and include a brief self-reflection and self-assessment component. Scholarship awards are typically made on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants who are deemed eligible. In making awards, we prioritize applicants experiencing current financial hardship and/or those who face systemic barriers that limit access to wealth and opportunities.

If a scholarship is approved, you will be notified of your award amount at the time you receive your program acceptance.

If you are not initially awarded a scholarship but still choose to enroll at the standard fee, we trust this indicates you have found a way to cover the cost without scholarship assistance. We do not retroactively apply scholarships to those who have already enrolled.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Participants in Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level III receive a certificate of completion verifying 85 seat hours (43 hours of teaching, 42 hours of group work). Participants may apply for recognition of these hours for CEU credit with their respective licensing bodies. The Allender Center is an organization housed within The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. The Seattle School is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council, and meets the requirements and minimum education standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institution Act.

The Allender Center at The Seattle School will not be held responsible for professional licensing boards or states that do not recognize the requested CEUs.

How to Apply

Application Process

To be eligible to apply for our Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level III program, you must have completed the Allender Center’s Training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level II.

To apply, please create an account in our online application portal. In the application process, you’ll be asked to discuss your Level II training experience and answer questions regarding your experience with leading groups. Additionally, you’ll need to record a video showing how you interpret and engage with a written story that will be provided in the application materials. Your NFTC Level II facilitator will be asked to provide a reference about your readiness to proceed to NFTC Level III. They’ll be asked to speak to your understanding of your facilitation style and how personal context informs engaging others’ stories, your presence and participation in the small group, understanding of NFTC and story engagement, and growth throughout the Level II training. If we have any questions about your application, an admissions counselor may reach out to discuss your short answers.

We accept a wide range of experiences and backgrounds and applicants do not need to have professional experience in a helping profession to be considered for this program. All applications will be reviewed thoughtfully to ensure readiness to enter the depth of this work. Priority is given to applicants who are willing to lead Story Groups. Applicants will be notified of their admission status by June 30, 2026.

A non-refundable $50 application fee is required to submit your application. This fee is waived when you apply during the Priority Application round.

The earlier you apply, the more access you’ll have to available scholarships and limited spots in this program.

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Priority Applications (Apply by May 31, 2026)

Application Dates: April 16 – May 31, 2026

Decisions Sent: June 30, 2026

First payment due by: July 15, 2026

Applications received by May 31 will have:

No fee to apply ($50 application fee waived!)
Option to pay in full or pay over 8 or 4 months
Priority access to claim available scholarships

General Applications (Apply by June 15, 2026)

Application Dates: June 1 - June 15, 2026

Decisions Sent: June 30, 2026

First payment due by: July 15, 2026

Applications received by June 15 will have:

$50 application fee
Option to pay in full or pay over 8 or 4 months
Access to any remaining scholarships

Payment and Refund Policy for Post-Enrollment Withdrawals & Deferments

View payment and refund policy

Sales tax may be applied to courses, events, or program fees upon registration or enrollment, depending on your billing address and local tax laws.

The Center understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise and wants to be clear about our financial policies regarding withdrawals or deferments that occur after you enroll. This policy exists because your enrollment reserves a limited spot in our program, and cancellations close to the start date make it difficult for us to fill that space. As a nonprofit we strive to steward our resources wisely, and withdrawals create financial challenges that impact our ability to operate and serve others effectively. We appreciate your understanding.

Once you receive your acceptance notice and choose to complete your enrollment, the following payment and refund policies go into effect:

To secure your spot in the program you can pay in full or set up a payment plan through our course portal. A $500 portion of the total Program fee is designated as a non-refundable, non-transferable Deposit.
If you withdraw or defer after completing your enrollment, Program fees may be refundable or still due, based on the following schedule. If an amount is still due, you are responsible for paying the amount through an existing payment plan or another payment method. Any retained fees are non-transferable:
- Withdrawals or Deferments communicated on or before July 31, 2026: The $500 deposit is retained; 100% of any other Program fees paid will be refunded.
- Withdrawals or Deferments communicated July 31-October 1, 2026: You are responsible to pay 25% of the total Program fee. Any amount above 25% that you have already paid will be refunded.
- Withdrawals or Deferments communicated October 2-December 1, 2026: You are responsible to pay 50% of the total Program fee. Any amount above 50% that you have already paid will be refunded.
- Withdrawals or Deferments communicated December 31, 2026 or later: You are responsible to pay 100% of the total Program fee.

If you choose to withdraw or defer your enrollment in the program, please promptly notify the Center in writing by sending an email to programs@theallendercenter.org.

View Scope & Limitations of NFTC

Narrative Focused Trauma Care is a theologically and psychologically-informed approach that integrates psychological perspectives within a Christian theological framework. NFTC incorporates research on trauma and attachment, as well as Christian biblical and archetypal frameworks, to understand the impact of trauma in relation to the self, God, and others. NFTC functions as a lens through which to understand personal and collective stories of trauma. It centers on the story engagement process, and NFTC training provides instruction that can help a trauma-informed individual offer a supported experience for exploring and understanding personal stories and their impacts.

NFTC can be applied in various professional and vocational contexts. While licensed counselors may integrate NFTC into their practice, it is not a substitute for clinical mental health services and does not diagnose or treat mental health concerns. NFTC should not be regarded as counseling, psychotherapy, or any other clinical intervention. NFTC trained individuals who use NFTC in their professional, volunteer, or personal contexts are responsible for ensuring use of the training is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and licensing or educational requirements in their location.

FAQs

Why is Level III conducted on a monthly basis?

Level III is designed to maximize praxis: to provide you with more frequent, consistent practice and engagement with the material to prepare you to lead your own Story Group. For this reason, we meet more often (and for shorter durations of time) than we do in Levels I + II.

What do I need to participate in NFTC Level III?

You’ll need a quiet, private space where you can focus, plus a reliable computer with high-speed internet, a webcam, and a microphone. Be sure to secure childcare and/or time off work, if applicable, to ensure uninterrupted learning. All teaching sessions are livestreamed, and Story Groups and Consult Groups meet online.

Is there an in-person option for NFTC Level III?

NFTC Level III is currently only offered virtually.

Why does NFTC engage topics like sexuality, culture, and race?

Your story does not exist in isolation. All aspects of our human experience—culture, race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic context—shape how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. As part of NFTC, we explore how these factors influence both your personal story and the stories of those you seek to serve.

Some of the concepts we present may feel challenging or unfamiliar. That is intentional. Expanding awareness of your personal and collective identity allows you to engage more fully and compassionately—with yourself, your relationships, and your community.

We approach this work thoughtfully and respectfully, creating a space where you can wrestle with these realities in a safe, supportive, and faith-informed environment. The goal is not simply intellectual understanding, but deeper empathy, integration, and wholeness in your life and in the lives of those you serve.

What is the time commitment for consult groups?

Consult groups will convene monthly between the scheduled Friday training sessions. The recommended duration for these meetings is 60-90 minutes, depending on participants’ availability. During program orientation, participants will be assigned to consult groups of 4-7 people based on time zone compatibility and scheduling preferences.

Step into a Healing Community.

"Level III has been a place for me to reinforce areas I still feel challenged in. It’s been so helpful to be doing this work outside of NFTC, as I have been leading one on one clients and groups simultaneously, and I’m glad we are practicing group facilitation... Having access to the Allender team and my peers has given me such a safe place to go to with lingering questions and practicalities so I’ll be more than ready to keep doing this work."

– NFTC Level III participant

"Knowing that the people surrounding me believe in me and are with me is extremely powerful. I feel the support given in Level III is empowering through practicing facilitation and receiving feedback, one on one’s with our facilitator, understanding more deeply the theory of what we’re doing but also hearing that we can be creative and do things in a uniquely us way.. I’m really grateful."

– NFTC Level III participant

“Both Levels [I & II] were life-changing in profound ways for me; however, it was Level III that sealed in my belonging in this work and what I have to offer with my own story. My own story makes so much more sense now and that has exponentially changed my capacity to sit and hold others in places I didn't know I could hold others. ”

– NFTC Level III participant

"I enjoyed the challenge of running a group from start to finish. I was apprehensive and nervous, but I felt well supported by the Allender Center. I have gained more confidence this year and have grown in my eagerness for feedback without shame showing up. I have grown in my capacity for curiosity within myself and others."

– NFTC Level III participant

"I appreciated the monthly meetings, which created consistency and repetition. I am leaving NFTC III with a sense of confidence and a sense of my identity as a facilitator that I did not have going into NFTC III."

– NFTC Level III participant

Request More Information

Questions about this training? We’d love to talk with you. Please reach out to programs@theallendercenter.org.

Learn More About Narrative Focused Trauma Care®

The Narrative Focused Trauma Care® (NFTC) Model is an innovative methodology that integrates psychology and theology to holistically engage the heartbreaking impact of trauma and abuse with compassion and care. This model builds on the foundational, lifelong work of Dr. Dan Allender in the realm of trauma and abuse recovery and his deep conviction that healing is not only possible, but is core to the gospel story unfolding within and around us.

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