|
SECTION
Experiential Therapy
REGISTER LISTED MEMBERS
Dr Paul Coombe
Ms Christine Hill
Ms Pia Hirsch
Mrs Mary O'Brien
Mr Thomas O'Brien |
The Australian and New Zealand Psychodrama Association was
established in 1980, and has more than 120 members Australia-wide.
Psychodramatists work with a wide range of individuals and groups in
order to improve and develop new perceptions and abilities in many
areas of life. Their approach is developmentally oriented and they
seek to take account of the whole person.
Clinical psychodramatists do this work in many settings. They assist
individuals, families or groups in private psychotherapy practices
and in organisations which specialise in family therapy, family life
education, relationship counselling, life transition, education,
sexual functioning, sexual assault, post-traumatic stress in
individuals and groups, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health
including depression, community programmes, spirituality, pastoral
work or in correctional services.
The psychodrama method entails exploring people's functioning and
every aspect of a situation and arriving at a clear clinical
assessment. The process and outcomes include an expanded vision,
resolution of conflict, assessment of relationships, integration of
fragmented aspects of the personality, and well-organised planning
for the future. Verbal interaction, dramatic enactment, and
reflection are all designed to enable individuals to see themselves
from a fresh point of view and generate and integrate new
behaviours. This comes about when a person sees themselves through
the eyes of the people who are significant to them as they take on
their roles, through experimentation and through observation of
accurate portrayals of their functioning in a non-judgemental
atmosphere.
There are a number of specialised applications of the psychodramatic
method. A role trainer works with individuals and groups to develop
specific aspects of functioning where there may be over or
under-development or absence. A spontaneity trainer stimulates new
or adequate responses, often in a light-hearted atmosphere, where
previously despondency or passivity may have been prominent. A
sociometrist assists an organisation to become aware of its
relationship system, including the dynamic relations of sub-groups,
and to mobilise staff resources more effectively. A sociodramatist
investigates and stimulates new approaches to social issues. A
psychodramatist who works as an organisational consultant, creates
images of working systems and interventions that draw out leadership
abilities. One who works as a staff trainer develops attitudes,
values and work functioning consistent with the overall goals of an
organisation.
The training of psychodramatists is conducted by training
institutes, accredited by ANZPA, that have developed training
methods and curricula based on the pioneering work of J.L. Moreno. A
pre-requisite for training is a tertiary qualification or the
equivalent. Certification requirements include completion of 2400
hours of supervised experiential learning, demonstrated mastery of
the theory and practice of the method, completion of written papers
and a practical assessment, and identification with the high ethical
standards integrated during training and set out in the Code of
Ethics. |
|
PACFA Member
Association