Theatre of the mind in psychotherapy – A workshop with Donna Savery in Stockport on Friday 21st October 2016
09:30 – 16:00
On Friday 21st October 2016 Donna Savery will run a workshop based around the idea of the Theatre of the mind in psychotherapy. This is Donna’s third visit to Mindsite. In her first visit she shared practical and theoretic ideas on working with myth in therapy. The second focused on the use of the myth of Echo and Narcissus in understanding and working with clients who present with narcissistic, co-dependent, or what she calls Echoistic traits. In this interactive day she will focus on the theatre of the mind, drawing on her background in theatre; and inviting participants to consider how key ideas and experiences found in the theatre can help therapist to access the inner world of clients and help them to understand the working of their mind. This can help clients to understand the impact of their interactions on others and the drama of their own lives. It can also help therapists to be more reflexive and effective in directing the process of therapy.
For those who like a mixture of theoretical and experiential training, this offers both. Donna works in a highly interactive way – using theory to explain the ideas that underpin her thinking. The aim is to provide experiential learning that will enable participants to gain insight into themselves and their approach to practice. There will be a mixture of small group discussion, large group teaching and sharing, experiential group work and role play; backed up by written resources. This will ensure that all learning styles are addressed and that all participants leave with their personal experience of the day and their own understanding of theatre of the mind.
Participants will gain an understanding of the ways the metaphors of theatre and dramatic space can be used in the service of clients. These will be illustrated in the development of an understanding of the psychic space of the client and the acting out of their inner drama. Bion’s theory of the container / contained will be used as a way of thinking about both theatrical situations and the external world.
About the event
The event will be of interest to therapists of any orientation, who wish to help their clients explore their own inner worlds. This will enable them to take greater responsibility for their actions, acknowledge existential choices and take agency in their own lives. The personal development aspect of the workshop will offer opportunities for therapists to engage with their own inner worlds, and will appeal to practitioners or students who wish to gain insight and understanding of their impact on clients. Those who like to work and think creatively will find opportunities to enrich their work through the exercises and theory employed in the workshop.
About the workshop leader
Donna Christina Savery is an Existential and Creative therapist. Her recent research into working with myth in existential relationship therapy was published in Emmy van Deurzen’s book ‘Existential perspectives on relationship therapy’ (van Deurzen, 2013). She formerly worked as a theatre director and academic and brings these elements to her work as part of her drive for authentic co-creative therapeutic relationships. She has a private practice in Buckinghamshire as well as a busy practice in London W1. Donna is also a group therapist, researcher and is currently undergoing training in Group Analysis. She is writing a book on ‘ Echo and Narcissus – Relationship Dynamics in Existential Therapy’ and most recently presented her research on ‘Echoism’ at the SEA conference 2014.
The cost is £90 per delegate. For groups of three or more who register and pay together, there is a special rate of £80 per delegate.
The event, which includes lunch, will be held in the convenient, modern Friends Meeting House in Stockport. It will start at 09:30 and finish promptly at 16:00.
6 hours CPD. An individually signed certificate of attendance will be provided to all registered delegates. Those who register within 24 hours of the event, or who wish to obtain a duplicate, can order one from the website.
To register immediately press the button below. You can book with confidence through Eventbrite, and pay by Paypal. card or cheque. Or we can invoice you or your organisation. For further information email events@mindsite.co.uk , or call Jonathan at 0161 439 7773. To view our cancellation policy click here.
References
Savery, D. C. (2013). The challenges of meaninglessness and absurdity addressed through myth and role play. In: van Deurzen, E. & Iacovou, S. (eds.) Existential perspectives on relationship therapy. Basingstoke: Palgrave.