Psychodrama with Children and Families

A lively, experiential workshop facilitated by Sara Crane and Simon Gurnsey (from Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association, AANZPA) that introduces the core concepts and practices of psychodrama. Through play, creativity, and group work, participants explore developmental, relational, and therapeutic applications of psychodrama to support healing, spontaneity, and healthier patterns for children, families, and the child within every adult.

Psychodrama can allow a deep expression of feeling which enables the processing of trauma and loss. Past hurts can be redressed and healed. New attachment experiences can be nurtured and developed. Increased ability to relate to others and find more satisfying relationships can be addressed. Visions for the future can be planned and understood. The capacity to live life fully is at the core of all psychodrama interventions.

There will be a focus on the developmental aspects of the method. We will introduce some of the basic concepts, including the Five Instruments, the Three Phases of a psychodrama session, the Original Social Atom, Spontaneity, Systems and Role Theory. Participants will be introduced to psychodramatic processes that work with children and families. Specific psychodramatic methods, like self-presentation, mirroring, doubling, role reversal, concretisation and maximisation will be used. There will be opportunities to be experimental and creative. 

Counsellors and therapists who work with adults will benefit from understanding and enacting the world of children as you inevitably work with the child in everyone. 

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and to arrive fresh and open to meeting whatever emerges in themselves and in the group.

Facilitators

Sara Crane is an AANZPA Trainer Educator Practitioner (TEP) and Psychodramatist. She is the Director of Training for PANZ, Psychodrama Aotearoa New Zealand and works as a visiting trainer in Brisbane. Sara’s love of psychodrama is grounded in her belief in the transformative power of spontaneity and human connection.

Sara has worked across multiple regions and sectors, giving her a rich understanding of the varied applications of psychodrama. She supports individuals and groups in navigating complex relational issues, including a focus on family dynamics and extensive work with children in the context of their Whanau (extended family/community). She was involved in setting up START, which was formed to provide clinical services to people who had survived sexual trauma. She has worked at a systemic organisational level, including supervising teams within the NZ Ministry of Justice and attending to children and families in the legal system. She enjoys working with complex family systems, supporting them to mediate conflicts and achieve healthier, more supportive relationships.

Sara is deeply concerned about the state of our changing world and the pressure and challenges for our communities. As a trainer, she seeks to support trainees to strengthen their abilities and develop their professional capacities to make a difference.

As a member of AANZPA, she has taken on several roles (President, Journal Editor) and appreciates the opportunities to participate in conferences and the ongoing life of the association. Sara is a Registered Psychotherapist (PBANZ) with an Advanced Clinical Practice Certificate.

For her solace, Sara loves to write flash fiction, finding joy in the brevity and emotional depth of the form. Her dogs, cats and llamas continue to be beloved companions in both her outdoor adventures and some of her professional work. Psychodrama has enabled her to bring the threads of her life together and pass on the complexities and wisdom of the method.

Simon Gurnsey is an AANZPA Sociometrist and Trainer Educator Practitioner in training (TEPit) in the final stages of his training to become a TEP. He provides training in the PANZ Ōtautahi Christchurch and Ōtepoti Dunedin Campuses. He has held various leadership roles within the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA), including Treasurer on the Executive Committee and served as the AANZPA Membership Administrator for many years.

Simon has a focus on using psychodrama to foster inclusion and equity in professional settings. He has worked for many years in NGO organisations, most recently with the award-winning environmental organisation W**d Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust. His systemic orientation integrates a focus on the community, developmental and political spheres, enabling effective action based organisations. 

Simon keeps his creativity flowing through his passion for building things out of wood and earth. Pictures of his new woodshed are available! He enjoys spending time at the home he shares with Sara Crane and a large number of domestic animals.

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