The Allender Center Podcast

The Research Behind Narrative Focused Trauma Care®

May 9, 2025

Dr. David C. Wang is a psychologist and pastor, leading the emotionally healthy leaders program at Fuller Theological Seminary. Joining him is Dr. Danielle Zurinsky, a research manager at the Allender Center with expertise in health psychology. They dive into a groundbreaking research project on Narrative Focused Trauma Care, exploring why storytelling can be so transformative. Their conversation reveals the blending of faith and psychology, the importance of personal narratives in trauma recovery, and the vital role of community in healing.

47:27

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Episode guests

Danielle Zurinsky

David C. Wang

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Quick takeaways

Engaging in story workshops fosters a sense of vulnerability and connection, leading to deeper empathy and individual healing among participants.

The integration of faith and psychological understanding within Narrative Focused Trauma Care enhances personal narratives and supports communal growth in healing journeys.

Deep dives

The Power of Story Workshops

Engaging in personal work can sometimes leave individuals feeling incomplete. Participating in a story workshop can provide a transformative experience as it encourages collective storytelling within a supportive community. The workshop creates a compassionate environment where participants can share and explore significant parts of their stories, facilitated by trained instructors who guide them with care. This communal approach fosters deep healing and connection, making it a crucial next step for those seeking to further their personal growth.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Research in Trauma Care

2min

The Challenges of Higher Education: A Humorous Perspective

2min

Exploring Narrative Focused Trauma Care

10min

Exploring Research in Trauma Care

16min

Embracing Ambiguity in Trauma Care

13min

The Interplay of Complexity and Healing in Trauma Care

2min

If you’ve experienced the healing power of engaging your story—through a Story Workshop, Recovery Week, Narrative Focused Trauma Care® (NFTC) training, or a Story Group in your own context—you may have found yourself wondering: Why does this work feel so deeply transformative? What’s actually happening here?

In this special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a groundbreaking, multi-year research project that’s beginning to explore those very questions. Dr. Danielle Zurinsky of the Allender Center and Dr. David C. Wang of Fuller Theological Seminary join Dr. Dan Allender and Rachael Clinton Chen to share what they’re discovering so far—and why this moment matters.

This work is part of a broader initiative we’re calling the NFTC Model Research & Publication Project. It’s an ambitious, long-term effort to clarify, codify, and formally articulate the core framework of Narrative Focused Trauma Care. Grounded in the decades-long work of Dr. Dan Allender, this project is about more than research—it’s about building a foundation that allows this healing model to be recognized, trusted, and shared more widely.

In today’s conversation, we’re letting you in early—before the publications—because we want this process to be rooted in relationship, transparency, and shared vision. Whether you’re a practitioner, a past participant, or someone simply curious about the impact of story, you’re part of this unfolding journey, too!

And if your own healing has been shaped by story engagement with NFTC, this is a chance to be part of something bigger. You can support the continuation of this growing body of research—fueling everything from the team of scholars and writers to expanded training opportunities and broader recognition in therapeutic, academic, and spiritual spaces.

You can visit theallendercenter.org/give to contribute at any financial level. We are currently fundraising to support the next phase of this project’s continuation. Your contribution will help ensure this work continues—so more people, families, and communities can experience the deep transformation that comes through engaging their stories with courage and care.

To learn more about NFTC, visit theallendercenter.org/nftc