A practical, experiential workshop facilitated by Sara Crane and Simon Gurnsey that introduces sociometry as a way to understand and strengthen group relationships. Through active methods and applied theory, participants learn to make invisible social dynamics visible, reduce isolation, and foster spontaneity and authentic collaboration within and between groups.
We are all members of a number of groups; families, friends, activity-based, professional, therapy and more. This workshop focuses on the practical application of Sociometry to build the relationships in these groups, both within the groups and between groups. Sociometry assists the development of a group’s creative potential by identifying underlying relationship patterns and systems, revealing significant positive and negative relationships or isolation.
You will be introduced to fundamental sociometric theory, including; Tele: the flow of reciprocal feelings between individuals, The Social Atom: a way of understanding and mapping a person’s essential relationships, the Sociometric Test: a way of gathering collective data on group preferences on particular criteria.
To move these concepts from theory to practice, we will apply sociometric techniques; spectrograms, step-in sociometry and timelines, along with psychodrama methods and role training. These active methods allow you to work with your group’s social dynamics and practice new ways of interacting that strengthen relationships and reduce isolation. Sociometry teaches us that meaningful change doesn’t always require a total system overhaul. Often, it is as simple as making the “invisible” visible.
By applying sociometry and sociometrically informed interventions in your current professional situations, you will be able to generate current relationship information about your group. This facilitates open dialogue about previously invisible social structures and enables constructive interventions that create an environment where spontaneity and authentic collaboration can emerge.
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.
Event Venue
The School of You: Bengaluru, 9th B Main Road, LIC Colony, Sector 11, Jeevan Bima Nagar, HAL 3rd Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075, India, Bangalore
INR 24426
