Gene Combs, MD

Gene Combs, Co-Director of Evanston Family Therapy Center, is internationally recognized for his contributions to narrative therapy theory and training. With his partner-in-all-things Jill Freedman, he has co-authored more than 30 journal articles and book chapters and 3 books. Since retiring from his position as clinical associate professor at University of Chicago, he has been increasingly vocal about his upset with what professional psychiatry has become over the 45 years since he was certified to practice it. He believes it is important to see people and the world in more complex and less pathologizing ways than does the DSM-based medical model. His current interests are in how to help individuals, families, and communities resist the oppressive and disempowering effects of white supremacy, neoliberalism, patriarchy, imperialism, homophobia, climate change denial, and related value systems.

Gene’s courses


Motivo, #1829, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 10/25/2023 – 10/25/2026.

NBCC Approved Continuing Education ProviderMotivo
ACEP No. 7222

Motivo has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7222. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Motivo is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.