Christmas Party Cameos

(Left: Jenny Gould, Psychodrama Assistant (Paper: Yes We Can!) Below: Jil Toovey, Newly celebrated Psychodramatist, Julia Lau and Danielle Forer.)





















(Left: Shani Quiddington and Neil Hucker, and Below Left: Gillian Blackwell and Olga Nikitina and Below Right: Margaret Shanahan)

Christmas Party

The 2008 Christmas Party was held at 155 Langridge St. Collingwood on Sunday 7th December from 2 pm until 5 pm.

These people were there:

They brought many friends with many plates.....

Practitioners' Group at PIM

On Friday 21 November 2008, from 9.30 a.m - 12.30 p.m, the PIM monthly Practitioners' group meets for its final meeting for 2008. Please bring something to share for a celebratory lunch afterwards - 12.30 - 1.30 p.m.

Obama Drama

World News:

Note of interest: On page 36 of Barack Obama's "The Audacity of Hope" he uses the word 'psychodrama'.

"In the back-and-forth between Clinton and Gingrich, and in the elections of 2000 and 2004, I sometimes felt as if I were watching the psychodrama of the Baby Boom generations - a tale rooted in old grudges and revenge plots hatched on a handful of college campuses long ago - played out on the national stage."

Theatre of Spontaneity - Friday 24 October 2008

The Moreno Psychodrama Society and the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne present the October "Theatre of Spontaneity".

Our guest presenter is Margaret Shanahan and the topic is:

"The Gift of Time"

Tickets at the door: $20.00 ($15.00 for Members of MPS)

Venue: The Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne

155 Langridge St

Collingwood

RSVP 9416 3779

The Chalkboard Concert

On the first dark night of spring, tucked in amongst the sightless roller doors of auto electricians and panel beaters, one-by-one they came, to this nondescript door in Langridge Street. The poster, curling at the edges announced “Chalkboard Concert!” Clearly, this is what attracted them, this disparate group of spasmodic, jerky poets and clowns, jugglers and sword swallowers.

As they entered, welcoming words were exchanged followed by the obligatory cup of tea and slice of cake. It was only then that the mysterious group gathered in a circle of chairs, patiently waiting until the MC announced the first act. The list of acts played out from the board behind her, presented in no particular order:

• A political haiku
• A frighteningly realistic impersonation of James Cagney
• The spirit of ABBA was channelled, and threatened to invade the circle throughout the night
• Laughter class – the students were extremely unruly
• Tai Chi class – the students were remarkably graceful
• Coin toss – take one elbow, 24 coins add gravity and duck!
• Stories from Estonia
• Estonian language class
• Monty Python was TV channelled
• Poems of the sea and loss
• Poems of butterflies and dappled wings
• Stories of floating, drowning and redemption
• Blindfolded third-person art charades
• A limerick that made no mention of Nantucket!!

And so it went, until the night called them back into the street, where they disappeared into the darkness, followed by ghostly cries of “Tere õhtust” and the faint strains of “Dancing Queen”………

Lunchtime Reading Group - 29 August 2008

You are invited to attend

The 3rd READING GROUP for 2008 at PIM

Topic: "Moreno's illustrations of Role Reversal with his son Jonathan."

Discussant: Lethe Gaskin

Date: Friday, 29 August 2008 from 12.45 – 1.45 p.m
Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge St, Collingwood

Meeting at 12:30 p.m for a 12:45 p.m start, this is the second of a one-hour series of reading seminars for those interested in the writings, theory, practice or philosophy of J. L. Moreno. In this third seminar Lethe will focus on Moreno’s concept of Role Reversal. The reading material is compiled to assist us in our discussion.

There is a donation of $10.00, which will be used to maintain and expand the PIM library. Bring your own lunch, freshly brewed coffee, teas and biscuits are supplied.

References: “Illustrations [of Role Reversal], PSYCHODRAMA, Vol. 2, Beacon House, N.Y. 2nd printing 1975 by J. L. Moreno. pp. 142-149

Copies of the above material are available for those attending the reading group. Call the PIM office on 9416 3779

2008 Reading Group Dates:
Fridays: 29 February, 30 May, 29 August and 24 October, 12.45 – 1.45 p.m.

Moreno Society Spring Gathering - Chalkboard Concert

Monday September 1st 7.30 – 10.30 pm at PIM 155 Langridge Street Collingwood

This is a whiteboard marker, non-toxic, splash of colour, anything goes, bring your spontaneity and creativity in any form gathering. We welcome demonstrations of macrame, limerics, short stories, readings, favourite recitals, songs, a sense of humour, observations from your life, moments of time you’ve seen that are momentous – you probably get the idea...



Everyone welcome, bring a plate for supper and anything you’d like to drink and we’ll begin there.



RSVP before Friday 29 August 2008

Nikki Alderman 0418 134 749

Vale: Zimba

Phil Smalley's beloved dog, Zimba, unconditionally-loving and loved companion of 16 years, was caringly put to sleep last Sunday morning at the Lost Dogs Home Vet Clinic, aged 17 years. Her health had been declining over the last 6 months, but particularly so in the last couple of weeks, and it hurt Phil very much to see her suffering. We've heard so much about Zimba, many of us have met her and know how much she meant to our friend and colleague, Phil. Phil says, "I am naturally very sad and miss her terribly." Here are two photographs of Zimba, taken about 4 1/2 years ago, which Phil provided. This little poem came to my mind just now.

Zimba
Z. Zzzz. Zimba
Happy dog
Loving friend
Rest in peace.

Sue

If you would like to contact Phil, his address is 29 Claude St, Northcote 3070

7th Birthday Celebrations at PIM

Birthday Wishes. Sue Daniel cutting the cake!

PIM's 7th Birthday was celebrated by this group at an afternoon tea on Sunday 20th July, the first of many celebrations to be held during the week.

Moreno Psychodrama Society on IAGP Webpage

The Moreno Psychodrama Society joined the IAGP (International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes last year. Since Lethe and Katrina Gaskin have moved and are living and working in Aotearoa (aka New Zealand), a branch of MPS has started there with them.

To reflect MPS's expansion we are now officially and formally the Australian and Aotearoa Moreno Psychodrama Society (MPS).

Want to have a look? We are under a flag and all. You might even want to check out the IAGP Rome Congress section and join the Psychodrama Section Announcement List. All information can be found on this webpage.

www.iagp.com

Click on the Affiliates tag on the top bar.

Tele Moments

Today, I ran a group in the community, in education.

A significant tele moment happened in the coffee break. We had both reached for the orange biscuits and the cantaloupe almost at the same time - then not only did I find out that she was writing, a book as I am, but that we both wrote poetry. When I told her that I liked and wrote haiku (a Japanese form of poetry), she looked at me intently and instantly said, I do too.

We swapped business cards and will be having a coffee together in the near future.

Have you had any tele moments lately? Or before?

Sue Daniel

Psychodrama with Children and Adolescents

Greetings to PIM and MPS members,

We extend an invitation to you to join our newly formed interest group for people who are using Psychodrama in their work with children and adolescents. Our next meeting is on:

Monday July 28 at PIM from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.
The group is meeting on a bi-monthly basis.

The interest group is open to Psychodrama practitioners and trainees who are using Psychodrama in their work with children and young people. It is experiential and experimental, following Moreno's philosophy and values. The Meetings consist of case presentations, article reviews, discussion and action.

The meeting provides a space:

- To focus on working with complex trauma
- To move out of the familiar – challenge ourselves
- To increase our creativity
- To focus on self care in the workplace
- To develop and strengthen our individual, family and group work skills with children and young people.

New ideas and new members are most welcome.

If you have any questions or plan on attending please contact Danielle Forer on 0411675597 or email forerdanni@yahoo.com.au

Looking forward to meeting others with an interest and passion for working with children and young people.

Danielle Forer
On behalf of the interest group members.

PIM's 7th BIRTHDAY

An invitation to PIM trainees and practitioners and MPS members,

On the 22nd of July 2001, the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne emerged. In May, 2001, urged on by many people to start a training institute, an idea emerged in me. The idea expanded as we talked and discussed and dreamt. Look what happened. PIM was born and here we are still!

While PIM is a psychodrama training institute, covering the methods of role training, role theory and its various applications, sociometry, sociodrama and groupwork, the training groups provide a haven, a place of growth and an opportunity to be part of something for each person. Together we created and continue to create PIM. We are affiliated with La Trobe University, Masters in Counselling Course, in the School of Public Health. From PIM came the Friends of PIM (FoPIM) and then the Moreno Psychodrama Society. Later, the Advisory and Assessment Board of Psychodrama came into being - now the Australian/Aotearoa Board of Psychodrama. We've given birth to reading groups, interest groups, including the latest children and adolescents interest group, writing groups and two conferences, including an International Psychodrama Conference in 2006, pictures of which you can still see on the PIM website:

www.psychodrama-institute-melbourne.com

We published a newsletter Social Atom News, which later, gave way to this blog, the e-newsletter of MPS and PIM. We developed the Theatre of Spontaneity, which is in its second year and the only sociodramatic event, which is run monthly and open to the public, in the world. In the library there are 79 articles, written by trainees and practitioners and trainers over these 7 years.

Two Celebrations

To celebrate this auspicious birthday, we've planned two events. On Sunday, 2o July we are holding an Afternoon Tea from 4 - 6 p.m at Langridge Street. We ask that you bring something for the table and also something for the psychodramatic table. It might be a poem, a photograph, a drawing, a presentation in action of what PIM means to you, brings out in you, and affects you in your life today.

The second celebration is the following Saturday, 26th of July from 4 - 6 p.m at my home, 104 Simpson Street, East Melbourne (RSVP 9416 3779). We are having a fire, and a dvd of Zerka Moreno - who is 91 - and our psychodramatic patron, conducting a brief and poignant psychodrama with one person. This goes for 1.5 hours. We'll look at her use of auxiliaries, the role of the auxiliary as double and other aspects of the method. I have seen this dvd already and found it very moving and really special in her using this medium in such a fine way, given the sensitive nature of psychodrama, which is based on feeling (tele), and therefore usually quite antithetical to the video medium. We are providing drinks; tea, coffee, juice and wine.

It is with great pleasure we, the Faculty of PIM invite you to these celebrations. Without you, PIM wouldn't exist. Thank you!

With love,
Sue

2001 PIM Brochure designed by Ted Bugarski

2002 PIM Brochure designed by Yvonne Sherring-Howard

Theatre of Spontaneity in June

Commencing at 7.30 p.m this coming Friday evening, June 27, the sixth Theatre of Spontaneity is being held at the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge Street, Collingwood. Sue Daniel is leading this month's Theatre.

The session is Sociodramatic and Sue will employ the Magic Box and Living Newspaper techniques, focussing on world and local events happening on Friday, and how they affect you.

Fee: $20.00 ($15.00 MPS Members) Supper is served with coffee and tea.

RSVP 94163779

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Babies in PIM

Love and good wishes to Hien Bui (Level 2) and her husband, Peter and son Johnathan, on the 27th of May arrival of daughter and sister, Mayella, and also to Brigitte Walker (Level 3) and husband Marty and young son Leo, on the arrival of a son and brother, Noah, born on 5 June 2008.

From your peers and colleagues at PIM.

The Warm Up

Not sure How
It all happened,
This Warm Up
Shared Last Week.

We need
O2!
And,
H2O!
We said.

Release!
This CO2.
Take In!
O2 – Sue Said.

And Breath,
And Live.
Spontaneously.

Electrons,
Positrons,
Nuclear Cosmology!

The Dramas that Unfolded.
So full of life and dreams!

Not sure How It All Happened,
This Warm Up
Shared Last Week.

No lower level Nucleons (Protons, Neutrons),
In our
Spontaneity!

Our Dramas
That Unfolded
Were filled
With
Chemistry.

Liliana Melone

Animator - a 'moving cartoon' via Olga

Olga Nikitina, (Level 1) sent this little moving cartoon which she discovered recently, a fitting mirror for the Theatre of Spontaneity last Friday night. Patricia Green and Rachael Zyznikow were the leaders for the evening. The following sharing is also from Olga:

I wanted to thank you and the directors for the wonderful Theatre of Spontaneity session yesterday, what a journey a dance of life turned out to be, from the story of the Creation and Babel tower to the small piece of the Werribee land. The world hasn't changed all that much in five thousand years - people still sit by the river and weep, hope and dream and they are still working out a solution of working and living together peacefully.

I worked out for myself that I get the most benefit from the psychodrama sessions by participating as much as possible and I went through a number of motions yesterday - from juggling two balls while everyone else was absorbed in their own dance, to skipping and jumping through the flow of people in the crowded street, I was imagining myself to be a character from Isaac Azimov's book - in this book the city was highly technically advanced and there were no cars, people moved standing on the running tracks which covered the entire city, only for the teenagers of this city the speed wasn't enough and they played a game by jumping from the track to track and overtaking other passengers, there was not much meaning in my movement, pure desire of speed and the experience of lightness and energy, but also the joy that we have talked about in the sharing - the joy of moving freely and yet cooperating with the crowd and not hindering the movement of everyone else.

After this came the dance, and the sensual rhythm of the African drums and how wonderful it was to see a person transformed, her whole body flexible, flowing, alive. I've joined in, initially thinking of playing a strong African man, but I couldn't quite get into the role and changed to a more self-conscious shy African girl learning from her more experienced friend. This sensuality carried through to the next scene, although I wasn't really aware of it until I thought about it later, I was immediately attracted to the story of the small piece of indigenous land and the new brave builders who are going to look after it and I almost jumped out of my seat when the river was introduced, I knew I was the River. I loved the idea of the wild and strangled river and wanted to be the constant flow of water that changes its rhythm depending on season, rain, dams, the intrusion of people, the river takes everything in, struggles and still keeps going, flowing through, washing out the old troubles, cleansing the face of the young girl, who became thirsty thirty years ago and turning the bones of the old kangaroo that passed away hundreds of years ago whiter than white.

Somehow, I missed the connection with the land, I was the River and I was the Water, the Flow, but there was no ground, the river was shifting and turning in its bed and I forgot about the Earth and then the someone came to the role and showed me the sexuality of the River and its union with the Earth and I was dumbstruck about how I have missed it, and yet later in the sharing she said that she saw it in me, and that surprises me even more, that I could miss or ignore something that was so strongly present already, so I went back and tried to be the new river, lying now on my back, comfortably and to be sensual and open and suddenly I was aware of the people looking at me in this way and it made me a bit self-conscious again but I told myself to relax and let the energy just flow and be myself. And then the strangest thing happened - the people have gathered all around me, standing above me and singing, enclosing me in a warm circle and I could feel the love flowing from them to me, lifting me up and holding, if I truly was the river, there would be water evaporating from my surface and rainbows dancing in the little droplets. I was so moved I started to cry, I was immersed in love and I was Love.

But then the song finished and it was time to share our experiences with each other, as I hope you will share your response to my entry. I also wanted to share with everyone this cartoon about the Creation which ties in perfectly with our theatre and our dance.

Hope you enjoy it and thank you, Olya

Moreno Psychodrama Society - Winter Gathering - Sunday 1st June 2008

A reminder to all that the Winter Gathering of our Society is this coming Sunday, 1st of June from 2 - 5 p.m.

Who are we? This Sunday we will present in action aspects of our work, training, perhaps a moment, a new step or a growing edge. Poems and songs welcome!

Afternoon Tea: 3.45 - 4.15 p.m (Please bring a plate)

Danielle Forer will present aspects of her recent journey to and work in Bangladesh (see her invitation further in this newsletter). Danielle collaborated with Herb Propper, Psychodramatist from Vermont, USA and co-led the National Therapeutic Theatre Workshop '08 with him. This event consisted of a series of trainings in psychodrama, sociometry and sociodrama, 14 - 25 March, under the auspices of the Bangladesh Therapeutic Theatre Institute (BTTI), which is a wing of Unite Theatre for Social Action (UTSA) in Chittagong.

RSVP to Sue, Gillian, Nikki or Patricia or telephone (03) 9416 3779

Theatre of Spontaneity - Friday 30 May 2008

Viva il ballo a tondo a tondo
Sonno un re, son un bascia
Il piu bel piacer del mondo
La piu cara volunta!

Dance around and round forever
I am a King, I am a Pasha
It is the most delightful pleasure in the world
The sweetest enjoyment!

(La Danza {Rossini:Pepoli}).

The Theatre of Spontaneity Presents…


The Dance of Life…..

Patricia Green with Rachael Zyznikow are leading this evening. Come and enjoy their magic. It will be a night of inspiration and intrigue.

Tickets at the door: $20.00 ($15.00 for members of the Moreno Psychodrama Society)

Venue: The Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge St, Collingwood

Time: 7.30 -10.30 p.m

RSVP to PIM (03) 9416 3779

Graphics courtesy of Liliana Melone

From where does "Tele" come?

You are invited to attend the

2nd READING GROUP for 2008 at PIM

Topic: Does “Tele” arise from the Limbic System?

Discussant: Sue Daniel

Date & Time: Friday, 30 May from 12.45 – 1.45 p.m
155 Langridge St
Collingwood

Meeting at 12:30 p.m for a 12:45 p.m start, this is the second of a one-hour series of reading seminars for those interested in the theory, practice and philosophy of J. L. Moreno in relation to other writers.
In this second seminar Sue will focus on Moreno’s concept of "Tele" in relation to the Limbic system in the human brain. The reading material (see below) is compiled to assist us in our discussion. There is a donation of $10.00, which will be used to maintain and expand the PIM library. Bring your own lunch, freshly brewed coffee, teas and biscuits are supplied.

Copies of the above material is available for those attending the reading group. Call Sue on 9416 3779

References:
1. Foundations of Sociometry (pages 48 -54), and Extension of Tele Theory, Its Position within the Sociometric System (pages 325 – 328) in Who Shall Survive? by J. L. Moreno (1934)
2. The Bridge Between Worlds (pages 50 – 54) in A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini & Richard Lannon (2001)

2008 Reading Group Dates:
Fridays: 29 February, 30 May, 29 August and 24 October, 12.45 – 1.45 p.m.

From little things, big things grow

In March 2008 I travelled to Bangladesh to conduct Psychodrama training with Herb Propper from the USA. I will share some of the experiences from my trip at the next Moreno Psychodrama Society meeting on Sunday, 1st of June.

Herb began conducting workshops in Bangladesh 6 years ago and from a small group, there is now a strong network of people enthusiastic about Psychodrama in Bangladesh.

Their response to the 2007 cyclone which displaced 8 million people was amazing. Creating magic after devastation, the Bangladeshi Therapeutic Theatre Network have been using Psychodrama in incredibly inspiring ways and making a bid difference to their community.

I look forward to sharing the experience with you.

Danielle Forer

Spinning Straw into Gold

Psychodramatic Principles in the Field of Addiction

Director: Nikki Alderman

Saturday, 5 July from 10 am – 5.30 pm

This workshop is for any practitioner who works with individuals, families or groups affected by addiction. The application of psychodrama in this field works with a focus on the adequate roles people bring to the therapeutic space – the things that have worked but have gone unseen. The fairy story of Rumpelstiltskin provides inspiration as the young woman may not have known how to spin straw into gold herself but she knew someone who could. Often our most creative resources for change and personal development are those roles in ourselves barely noticed or taken for granted in the face of life’s bigger challenges like addiction.

Venue: Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge Street, Collingwood
Fee: $135.00 (Deposit $50.00 due by Friday the 27th of June)
Enquiries: PIM (03) 9416 3779 or to Nikki on 0418 134 749

Members and Overseas News

Danielle Forer recently completed a series of workshops in Bangladesh, namely in Chittagong and Dhakar. She worked with Herb Propper who established the training programs in Bangladesh. This was Herb's sixth visit to Bangladesh since 2003. He has been conducting trainings in psychodrama, sociodrama and sociometry as part of the National Therapeutic Theatre Training Workshops. Danielle will present something about her time in Bangladesh at the Moreno Psychodrama Society Winter Meeting, on June 1, 2008 (2 - 5 p.m)

Sue Daniel conducted a pre-conference workshop on role theory at the April Conference of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP). Her session was "Our Ancestors Walk Beside Us". Sue was recently appointed to the Executive Council of the ASGPP by the President, John Rasberry. Sue is also working toward the Rome Congress in August 2009 as a member of the Scientific Program Committee. The Rome Congress is the Triennial Congress of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP). Early Bird registrations can be easily made on-line from the website www.iagpcongress.org by May, 31. Submissions for sessions are now open.

Dora Oliver, Jenny Clifton and Jil Toovey have completed all the requirements toward their psychodrama director certifications and are now fully fledged, Psychodramatists. Congratulations Dora, Jenny and Jil.

Emily Lumbers is now living at Digger's Beach, Coffs Harbour while Helen Fryer and Joan Murray have moved to live in Hobart, Tasmania.

J. L. Moreno's House in Bad Voslau, Austria. He lived here from 1918 - 1925.

Boy or Girl! Additions to the PIM Library

New Projects and Papers:

75. Jenny Clifton - Stepping Out: Moving from the head of my wisdom into the body of my wisdom.

76. Jenny Clifton - Managing those 'oh-shit' moments: When thinking small is thinking big.

77. Sue Benham - Kissed by the Sun.

78. Dora Oliver - Script of Life

New (Old) Books

The Essential Moreno - Ed. Jonathon Fox

Jacob Levy Moreno 1889-1974: Father of Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy - Rene F. Marineau

‘When the Direct Approach Won’t Do.’

… When it’s just too exposing for the protagonist in moments of acute anxiety. This half-day seminar experientially explores ways in a psychodrama group for the group leader and group members to progress through the fear with great presence and creativity. We will consider a range of possible approaches that are less confronting, build safety, and allow the group to be sensitive and responsive. Participants in this workshop may be workers and group facilitators (no prior psychodrama experience necessary), trainees in psychodrama or those interested in the method.

Date and Time: Friday 16 May, 2008 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge Street, Collingwood
Fee: $75.00

Workshop Presenter: Lethe Gaskin is a psychodramatist, trainer and supervisor, psychologist and psychotherapist. She works in both Australia and New Zealand.

Enquiries:

PIM: +61-3-94163779 or pim@netspace.net.au
Lethe: phone/text +64 212 954959 or letheg@bigpond.net.au

PIM and MPS Events in April, May and June

PIM Training Events:
(Ongoing Training Groups begin in Term 2 the week beginning 12 May 2008)

1. An Exploration of our inner lives through ‘Dreams and Psychodrama’, Saturday, 5 April from 10 – 5.30 p.m
Directors: Kath Kelly and Marie Watt

2. Psychodrama Groupwork for Trainers and Group Leaders, Saturday and Sunday 3rd & 4th May from 10 a.m – 5.30 p.m both days
Director: Sue Daniel

3. Alternative Approaches when ‘The Direct Approach’ won’t do, Part 1: Friday 16 May from 9.30 a.m – 12.30 p.m
Director: Lethe Gaskin

Other PIM Events:
4. Ongoing Case Study Group – began 7 March, continuing on April 4 (Nikki Alderman) and 2 May and June 6 (Sue Daniel) from 9.30 a.m – 12.30 p.m.

5. Psychodramatist’s Practitioner Group – Began Feb, 22, 14 March and continuing April 18, 23 May and June 20

6. 2nd Meeting of the Children’s and Adolescent’s Interest Group on Monday 21 April from 7 – 9 p.m hosted by Danielle Forer. For people using psychodrama, theory, action or role theory framework in their work with young people.

Reading Group at PIM:
Friday 30 May from 12.45 – 1.45 p.m ($10.00) Call Nikki on 0418 134 749

Personal Development Groups:

7. Personal Developments Groups with Sue Daniel (9416 3779):
Happiness and Health in Work and Life:

Monday Evenings, from 6 – 9 p.m, 5, 12, 19 & 26 May plus Sunday 25 May
Weekend Personal Development Group:
Saturday & Sunday, 21 & 22 June from 10 a.m – 5.30 p.m both days

8. Personal Development Groups with Dora Oliver (0418 824 794):
New Ways of Thinking and Being after Separation
6 Tuesday Mornings, 20 & 27 May, 3, 10, 17 & 24 June

Moreno Psychodrama Society:

9. Theatre of Spontaneity on Fridays, 18 April, 30 May & 27 June from 7.3 – 10.30 p.m
10. Winter Meeting of the Moreno Psychodrama Society on Sunday, 1 June from 2- 5 p.m at PIM. Trainees and Members all welcome.

All Enquiries 9416 3779 after 17 April, or before call Nikki Alderman on 0418 134 749


New Articles, Papers and Theses in the PIM Library

1. “We Are All Creative Geniuses” by Julia Lau

2. “Developing a Pair of Loving Eyes: Applying Sociometric and Psychodramatic Approaches with Lawyers” by Jil Toovey

3. “Significant people, Significant Relationships” by Bob Cumming

Jil Toovey and Julia Lau Celebrating Passing their Psychodrama Practicums

The International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP)

Some History of the IAGP

By Sue Daniel
(With a lot of assistance from an article by Anne Schutzenberger (Archivist IAGP) in the International “FORUM” of Group Psychotherapy, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2002)

On the 18th of January 2008 our Moreno Psychodrama Society was accepted as a full Affiliate Organisation of the IAGP. What is the IAGP?

1950 – 1st international Congress of Psychiatry (Paris, October 1950) and especially during the 2nd International Congress of Criminology and its psychiatry section, Dr Jacob Levy Moreno put forward the idea to have an International Association of Group Psychotherapy. Moreno, the founding Father of Group Psychotherapy, who also coined that term in 1924, had already founded the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama in 1941. It was a natural extension for Moreno.
1951 - The First Committee on Group Psychotherapy and, according to Moreno, “The First Official Step” towards IAGP, was created in Paris in 1951.
1954 - An International Committee for Group Psychotherapy was formed at the 1st International Congress on Group Psychotherapy in Toronto in 1954.
1957 – The International Committee became the International Council of Group Psychotherapy during the Zurich, 2nd International Congress on Group Psychotherapy.
1963 – At the 3rd International Congress in Milan, someone suggested to Moreno to have the First International Congress of Psychodrama in Paris.
1964 – This Congress came about in Paris, in September 1964. It was organised by Anne Schutzenberger. There were 1,200 participants from 28 countries.
1968 - The 4th International Congress was held in Vienna.
1973 – The 5th Congress was held in Zurich.

IAGP – 1973
During the Zurich Congress, the IAGP was co-founded by Moreno, who became the Honorary President, and 12 others; A. Friedmann (Switzerland), Anne Schutzenberger (France), Raymond Battegay (Switzerland), Samuel Hadden (USA), Raoul Schindler (Austria), S. H. Foulkes (UK), Joshua Bierer (UK), Jay Fidler (USA), Zerka Moreno (USA), Grete Leutz (Germany), Ambros Uchtenhagen (Switzerland), Anne-Lise Heigel-Evers (Germany), incorporated according to the Swiss Civil Code by Raymond Battegay.
Dr Moreno died in 1974.

The next meetings:
The 6th congress was held in Philadelphia in August 1977, the Nice and Madrid Congresses prior to that having to be cancelled; 7th: Copenhagen, 1980; 8th: Mexico, 1984; 9th: Zagreb, 1986; 10th: Amsterdam, 1989 (my first Congress); 11th: Montreal, 1992; 12th: Buenos Aires, 1995; 13th: London, 1989; 14th: Jerusalem, 2000; 15th: Istanbul, 2003; 16th: Sao Paulo, 2006 and 17th: Rome, 2009.

When will we have our turn??? Do we want to host a Congress in Melbourne in 2018? In 2012 it goes somewhere else, maybe the USA, and in 2015 it most likely has to return to a country in Europe so that leaves 2018 - a long time you may think, but why not warm up to the idea now?
Let me know what your view is on this at:
(MorenoSociety@netspace.net.au)

The Psychodrama Section within the IAGP
In 1993, the IAGP started 2 sections, Psychodrama and Group Analysis. Grete Leutz (Germany) and David Kipper (USA) were the 1st co-chairs of the Psychodrama Section. Peter Felix Nathan Kellermann (Israel) and Jorge Burmeister (Switzerland) were the 2nd co-chairs, followed by Sue Daniel, (Australia) 3rd Chairperson, and Manuela Maciel, (Portugal) 4th and current Chairperson. Several other sections were formed in this time; Family Therapy, Organisational Consultation, System Centred Group Psychotherapy and a Transcultural Section.
Other Events
Apart from the 3 yearly IAGP Congresses, several other congresses and conferences are held in different world areas between the main Congresses. One of these is the Pacific Rim Regional Congress, (PRRC), the next one being held in Matsue, Japan, in October, 2008.

In June I will bring forward the journey of Moreno and the IAGP in action at the Theatre of Spontaneity, on Friday, 27 June 2008, from 7.30 – 10.30 p.m.

Minutes of the Autumn Meeting of MPS

MINUTES OF THE AUTUMN GATHERING OF THE
MORENO PSYCHODRAMA SOCIETY
HELD SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008, 2 – 5 PM

1. AGENDA
Hello and welcome to each other.
2. PRESENT:
Sue, Ted, Olga, Marie, Helen, Shani, Phil, Cheryl, Nikki, Gillian, Noa, Gavin and Patricia.
3. APOLOGIES:
Katrina, Lethe, Liliana, Joan, Margaret, Neil, John B and Tabitha
4. HISTORY:
Our history in action in relation to the world community of Psychodrama.
5. MEMBERSHIP: May 2008 – April 2009
Categories - 1) Accredited Members of PIM
2) Trainees/Colleagues
3) Friends of PIM
6 NEXT MEETING - WINTER GATHERING – Sunday, 1st June 2008, 2 – 5 pm

1. Welcome

The Meeting began with Sue reading Nikki’s poem on autumn. We warmed up with a lot of different responses about the seasons. For example, Helen spoke of her struggle about going to Tasmania and the conflict of wanting to be there and wanting to be here. She said she was happy to be in Tasmania but there was also something missing. She was obviously touched by being back in Melbourne and was finding it difficult to let go, but also she was pleased to be in touch with the source here. Shani spoke of the sadness she feels in autumn and adjusting and adapting to change. She said she loves summer, but spring was her favourite. Phil said he felt autumn was his favourite with the warm days and all the different colours of the leaves. Sue commented on the amazing variety of things that warm us up.

4. History

This meeting explored our place in the world of Psychodrama on a micro and macro level through action methods from our beginning meetings. We began as Friends of PIM in 2001 and remembered the great anticipation of our first meeting at Joan Murray’s house in Caulfield. We all felt excited and Nikki commented about the ‘possibility of something new’ happening under a tree. From there we pooled ideas to develop MPS and in time we organized conferences, a summer school and social occasions and many other activities. Within the Central Co-Ordinating Committee of MPS we developed a number of different pods such as the Education Pod, Creative Writing Pod, and many other pods. We traced the development of our Institute into the community and chartered its evolvement. From there the possibilities grew and grew as we took our skills out into the community and beyond. ‘Doors are quite open’ and in Morenian terms sociometry is happening all over the world.

J. L. Moreno established the IAGP in 1954 (see the previous article by Sue) and it is now spread all over the world. It is like an‘animated umbrella’ snowballing and expanding and impossible to stop. IAGP is an umberella organization for many associations and individuals in Russia, America, Japan, FEPTO, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and many other countries. The Moreno Psychodrama Society is now a Certified Member of the IAGP. Under this umbrella of IAGP are also the groupwork therapies, eg. Family Therapy and Freudian Therapy. Within the IAGP there has been a moving in and out, a ripple effect creating flexibility and connection and a sustaining of creativity and spontaneity with like-minded people – a rich diversity of experience in hundreds of organizations all over the world.

Ideas for the Moreno Society
1. More groups.
2. Creativity in whatever form. Generation of ideas and growth of these ideas.
3. Theatre of Spontaneity could be used as a theme or link, tracing this history.
This could be enacted in action at the Theatre or maybe Federation Square.
4. Car boot sale at Bulleen – maybe have choir sing there.
5. Expand the work through creative writing pods.
6. Letter of support for each other.
7. Chalk Board concert (September, Spring Gathering on a Monday night).
8. Play back theatre.
9. Explore PACFA at the next Meeting and the pros and cons of joining.
Some members in the group feel that this would be a real asset. Central Pod
will look at this idea at its next meeting and discuss with those interested.

5. MEMBERSHIP: New Categories
To be discussed at the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING – WINTER GATHERING OF THE MORENO SOCIETY
SUNDAY 1ST JUNE, 2008, 2 – 5 PM

Gillian Blackwell
25/03/08

Kath Kelly and Marie Watt invite you to...

Dreams and Psychodrama

Jung and Moreno meet!

This one-day workshop will be an opportunity to the explore language and drama of the soul through dream work and psychodrama.

Kath Kelly and Marie Watt are both psychodramatists. They work together with a deep respect for each other and for group members. Marie is an educator who values the land and the world of story, myth and dreams. Kath has a background in recreation, planning and management and has a passion for personal development through creativity and spontaneity.

Together Kath and Marie use a Jungian approach to dreams intertwined with Moreno’s psychodramatic method.

Saturday, 5 April 2008 from 10.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Cost: $135.00 (Deposit $50.00)

ONE OR TWO PLACES LEFT!

Bring something to share for lunch. Refreshments included.

Venue: Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne
155 Langridge Street, Collingwood.

Enquiries phone: (03) 9416 3779

David Chong invites you...

Come Kiss Brazilian Music!!!

Friday, 4th April 2008, 7 pm sharp
World Bar, Shop 4 Building 2 Riverside Quay Southbank
www.worldrestaurantbar.com.au
Free Entry

Great restaurant and bar is available!

Come and enjoy our original Brazilian music in this great venue in the middle of the Southbank precinct!

Inspired by the rich tapestry of Brazilian popular music this debut CD from Tatu Rei brings to its Australian audience a unique and captivating insight into this fascinating genre.
Tatu Rei is a five piece band playing exclusively original music, from afro Brazilian percussion to organic soulful bossa rhythms.

David Chong – originally from Brazil, David is the lead vocalist and founder of Tatu Rei. David has performed with leading musicians from the Brazilian genre including Doug de Vries, Neda Rahmani – percussion, John Moore – writer/percussion, Nick Carver – double bass, Nathan Slater – nylon string guitar and guest kit drummer - Mark Grunden

‘David Chong and Tatu Rei represents a new breed of talented and committed songwriters and musicians that take the post bossa aspects of musica brasileira and forge new ideas and sounds that are rich in melody, harmony and buoyant rhythms with a universal appeal. Bravo!’
– Doug de Vries

Check out www.taturei.com & http://www.myspace.com/taturei

Inspired by Friday 14 March Theatre of Spontaneity

A Poem by Phil Smalley:

A time for letting go

It is a time for letting go,
For letting go of time,
Of obligation, of all the have-to’s.

The sky meets the sea
Where there are no boundaries;
Silence welcomes me into its arms.

The ocean was and is and will be,
Like the changing sky
Sprinkled with stars by night

And by day, dappled with sleepy, soft clouds.

Gentle wavelets, barely heard, kiss the shore
As birds swoop and soar,
Their distant calls, a language
Known only to themselves.

And I, so small and yet,
Still a part of it all.

Phil Smalley
Theatre of Spontaneity
14th March 2008

A Poem by Nikki Alderman:

Starbroke at 5

Blue fading into blue
into sunlit curtains
spread fabric of pale
spilling out over the sea

A deep washing
that cleases the soul;
contained in a setting
Clouds that hold
earthly thoughts from above

Green folds below
stop the sinking
that might have occured once

The world holds its wonder
in the light that escapes between
the grass that grows through the toes
and the air behind me
that I could think I don't need

But i might fall
if not for the wonder and beauty
of it all.

The Theatre of Spontaneity on the 14th of March was a poetic, responsive creation of those peaceful moments and places that soothe the soul. We relaxed into ourselves and discovered that what we created together was breath and soul made and will live in each of us in enduring ways. I hope something of the poetry expressed finds its way into your lives as we share something of the creative spirit at work last Friday evening.

Nikki Alderman
Theatre of Spontaneity
14th March 2008

Sue and Ted's Excellent Adventure

In January 2008 Sue conducted several workshops at Innsbruck University in Austria for students enrolled in the psychodrama course and psychodrama trainers. Our adventures included exploring snowy villages and climbing the high mountain peaks (albiet with some cable car assistance). Here we are on the highest point on the mountain range around Innsbruck, the "Seegrube". Behind us is Northern Italy and below is the city of Innsbruck. This picture shows Sue wisely rugged up while I am frantically putting my gloves on - although it appears sunny and warm with the wind chill it is even colder than the -15 degree temperature. What fun!

Ted Bugarski

PS. By clicking on any photo in this blog, you can see the full size image.

An Invitation the Moreno Psychodrama Society Autumn Gathering

You are invited to the

Autumn Gathering of the Moreno Psychodrama Society

Where we will look at our place in the world of psychodrama,
using
sociodrama and our imagination.

On a micro and macro level, we will look at the world, community
and
ourselves, each person on their psychodrama journey.



Autumn free
Old ways shed for the anticipation anew
A chance to lay things bare
Exposed and full

The heat of summer still gently on the bough
Enough warmth to last
This letting go is easy
When the cycles are remembered
And the rhythm is allowed.

Nikki Alderman

Venue: PIM – 155 Langridge St, Collingwood

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 2 - 5 p.m

A delicious afternoon tea, a little wine, other cold drinks, sweet
and savoury things, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of tea.

RSVP to Sue, Nikki, Gillian or Patricia or telephone PIM – 94163779

Friends, colleagues welcome!

Vale: Mike Consedine

"There remains in me the sure and sacred knowledge that spontaneity is the only thing that will save the world. Thank you very much to the whole psychodrama community for what you have given me over 30 years. "

My Friend

I hold you in my heart
Most dear
Your shining light from yesteryear

And now you’re here
Amazing Grace
No time, no place

Just here within my heart and mind
Your soul
A spark of the Divine

My lovely friend
There is no end


Sue Daniel
8 March 2007


Mike died Friday afternoon at 4.30 p.m, 25 January 2008 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after a series of long illnesses.

A "gentle 'Irish' giant", Mike loved among many other things, 'The Pogues', Bruce Springsteen, poetry and psychodrama. One of his favourite writers was Canadian, Robertson Davies. Davies wrote "The Deptford Trilogy", among others and his writings explored the moral dimensions of life, the isolation of the human spirit, and humanity's growth from innocence to experience, and we had many long discussions about these novels.

A nurse, poet and psychodramatist, Mike worked with nurses using psychodrama in his role as supervisor and consultant and enjoyed teaching psychodrama. He liked a wee drop of whiskey but hated shopping. I remember once having the task of assisting him to buy a suit. I realised what a difficult job I was going to have, so I took him to David Jones menswear and found an exquisite cashmere jumper worth quite a sum. He looked at the price and then at me with horror and disbelief and said, "I'm not having that!" A little later on in Bourke Street, he found a very nice suit, with two pairs of trousers, free adjustment to the length for his height and a bow tie thrown in all for half the price of the cashmere sweater. Bringing home the booty, he looked at me with triumph!

So many stories Mike, Ted and I sat and had a glass of whiskey and told each other stories of our many adventures and times that we shared with you, into the twilight on the 26th, not quite an Irish Wake Mike but good enough and gentle.

Ted Bugarski and Mike Consedine: On our way to Hanmer Springs.

Moreno Psychodrama Society - February 2008 News

The Theatre of Spontaneity is on the last Friday in February, February 29 not 22 as is written on some flyers. In March, the date is set for March 14 due to Easter, its the third last Friday not second last, as is written in some flyers. The dates in the PIM program (orange booklet) are correct. Sue Daniel is conducting the February event and Nikki Alderman is conducting the March event.

The 1st Meeting for 2008 of the Moreno Psychodrama Society is on Sunday 16 March from 2 - 5 p.m. Included on the "action" oriented agenda is our recent joining as an affiliate organisation of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) and an exploration whether to take a further step in our long held aim to join PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). Of course, there will be afternoon tea, cakes as usual. Do bring something to add to the table. RSVP 9416 3779.

The Reading Group gets going Friday 29 February, (12.30 - 2 p.m) same day as the Theatre of Spontaneity (7.30 - 10.30 p.m). The announcement for the Reading Group, with details of this event is below. I am leading the first session and the subject I've chosen for discussion is:

"The Function of the Psychodramatic Director" - reference, pages 252 -259, Psychodrama Vol. 1 (1946) Student edition 1994.

There are five essential elements in the psychodrama method; the Protagonist, the Director, the Auxiliary Ego, the Audience and The Therapeutic Stage. In this session the focus is on the role of the Director. Dr. J. L Moreno, the founder of psychodrama maintained that the Director has three functions; producer, chief therapist (referred to and described by some as the role of the clinician) and social analyst.

If you are coming and require a copy of this material please notify us: pim@netspace.net.au

Reading Group - 4 Friday Lunchtimes in 2008

Convenor: Sue Daniel (9416 3779)

Meeting at 12:30 p.m for a 12:45 p.m start, these one-hour seminars are for those interested in the theory, practice and philosophy of J. L. Moreno, Zerka T. Moreno and other psychodrama writers and practitioners. The reading material is usually available two weeks before each meeting to enable optimal discussion. There is a donation of $10.00, which will be used to maintain the PIM library. Bring your own lunch, freshly brewed coffee, teas and biscuits are supplied.

Dates: 4 Fridays: 29 February, 30 May, 29 August & 24 October from 12.45 – 1.45 p.m.

Contact: PIM (94163779) to register your interest.

Venue: PIM, 155 Langridge Street, Collingwood

Psychodrama Blog

If you would like to send a note, make an announcement, send a picture, poem or write a book review, about something you are doing or have attended, bring yourself to the blog and let us know your experience.

With best wishes,

Sue Daniel

for the Central Co-ordinating Pod:

Sue Daniel, Nikki Alderman, Patricia Green and Gillian Blackwell (Australia)
Lethe Gaskin and Katrina Gaskin (New Zealand)

Happiness and Health in Work and Life

Psychodrama Personal Development Workshops

The purpose of these personal development groups is to develop greater strength and more effective relationships and the ability to live life in a creative and satisfying way. For brochures and enquiries: (03) 94163779.

Happiness and Health in Work and Life
4 Mondays per course, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m plus one Saturday, 10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Director: Sue Daniel

This group is for people who want to develop abilities and roles that will be conducive to living healthy and happy lives and to having satisfying and vital relationships. There is an opportunity to focus on unfinished business, minor conflicts of living and creating opportunities to develop new roles and perspectives.

February: Mondays, 4, 11, 18 & 25 February plus Saturday 16 February.
May: Mondays, 5, 12, 19 & 26 May plus Sunday, 25 May.
August: Mondays, 4 & 11 August, Saturday 16 August, Mondays, 18 & 25 August.

Venue: Downstairs grouproom at PIM

Fee: $350.00 per course (Deposit $50.00 due 2 weeks before each course.) An interview is necessary for anyone wanting to join.

Psychodrama with children and adolescent's working group

Greetings to Pim members,

I'd like to extend an invitation to you to join our newly formed interest group for people who are using psychodrama in their work with children and adolescents. Our first meeting is being held on Monday February 11 at PIM at 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the upstairs grouproom.

I work with children and young people in groups in schools and after school settings and would love to meet with others who are doing either individual or group work with children, young people and their families. I am hoping the interest group will be an opportunity for us to share our ideas, experience our creativity and to support each other in developing our psychodrama practice.

If you have any questions or plan on attending please contact me on 0411675597.

At this stage I am envisioning us meeting on a bi-monthly basis, but this is all open to discussion.

Please come along Monday and bring some food and your ideas to share. Tea and coffee provided.

Danielle Forer