Category Archives: News

15 DAYS TO THE OPENING CEREMONY!

There are single day registrations available for people who can’t come to the whole event. Please email our Registrar, Jenny Postlethwaite for a registration form: confregistrar@aanzpa.org

There are still some spaces left in pre and post conference workshops: confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops/

MEET  THE  HOSTING COMMITTEE…

Our news this month is a little about each of the Hosting Committee: these are the wonderful people who will be “on the ground” at the conference to assist you!

LYNLEY McNAB:  Hosting  Co-ordinator. All things Accommodation (HotelSpace)

• Where were you born:   Hawera, Taranaki, NZ
• Birthday and star sign:   17 May, 1961 – Taurus and Chinese Buffalo – yes! Double Bull!
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama: 1988 in Christchurch
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure: I read Science Fiction books that are full of physics and philosophy
• Family placement:  one younger brother. I am oldest girl in family
• Most memorable auxilary role in a psychodrama:  so many over so long….. Being a participant and auxiliary in a residential group a long time ago run by Paul Baakman up at Hamner Springs.
• Favourite food:  really like mangoes, and also anything Japanese, Indian or  Thai…..
• What are you reading at the moment?: another William Gibson as usual… Zero History
• Pets:  One gorgeous girl pussy cat called Thomas – best cat ever!!!

 PENNY BERAN: Host Pre and Post Conference workshops, expert on  all things Sydney.

• Where were you born:  Sydney
•  Birthday and star sign: October Libra: still can’t decide which warm up to go with
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama:  one-on-one role reversal in an art therapy session (not named as psychodrama), then Sydney conference 2002 pre conf workshop Kate Bradshaw Tauvon “Shame and Pride”
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure:  theatre, walking with WEA Ramblers, bursts of art workshops in collage, life drawing, paper-making; classical music concerts; adventures around Sydney to galleries, hosting committee  and book group meetings.
• Family placement:  One younger sister.
• Most memorable auxillary role in a psychodrama: ocean waves for nearly an hour, slain mother, the rock leant upon
• Favourite food: created with attention, presented and served simply with care; trying something new; gelato
• What are you reading at the moment?: The Saturday Paper; Aldi Catalogues.
• Pets – photos on fridge of the Seeing Eye Dogs whose training I’ve supported for several years

HELEN KEARINS: Workshop Room set-up and Presenter Assistant.

• Where were you born:  West Wyalong NSW
• Birthday and star sign:  30th May, 1947
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama:  1984 Playback Theatre, 1985-89 Drama Action, 1990 Wasley Centre Perth
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure: Garden, walk, meet friends for coffee, play guitar, read, listen to music, watch TV
• Family placement:  Six kids in family – I’m 5th
• Most memorable auxillary role in a psychodrama:  soooo many!
• Favourite food:  Roast dinner, or pork chops with ginger and honey sauce
• What are you reading at the moment?:  All That I am, by Anna Funda and Keating, by Kerry O’Brien
• Pets:  Not allowed in rental property but I do have a platypus puppet

DOROTHEA WOJNAR: Special Needs Representative.

• Where were you born:  Vienna, Austria
• Birthday and star sign:  15.11.1951 Scorpio
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama:  in the 1980’s
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure: get together with friends – usually over coffee or a meal or we might go and see a movie or a show. Watch Sci Fi, fantasy or historical dramas
• Family placement:  youngest, older brother
• Most memorable auxillary role in a psychodrama:  I love playing evil roles or mean people
• Favourite food:  Chocolate
• What are you reading at the moment?:  Priestess of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
• Pets:   None at the moment. I used to have a lovely Devon rex cat called Rex

LYNNE BURCHMORE: Reception/Hosting Desk.

• Where were you born:  Burwood NSW
• Birthday and star sign:  Libra
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama:  2009
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure: Making  Jewellery
• Family placement:     I am the eldest of five
• Most memorable auxillary role in a psychodrama:  “ the truculent child”
• Favourite food:  Salad
• What are you reading at the moment?:  “ I’m your Man” The life of Leonard Cohen
• Pets:   None

DESLEY CREEDY: Meals and Special Diets.

• Where were you born:  Atherton, Far Nth Queensland. My parents had a dairy farm.
• Birthday and star sign:  January 12th. Capricorn
• Year that you first had an experience of psychodrama:  1987
• What do you do for fun/hobby/leisure: Walk, swim, watch the ocean, the sunsets, the moon, the river…..
• Family placement:   1 older sister, 1 older brother and one younger brother. I am the 3rd child.
• Most memorable auxillary role in a psychodrama: Too many to choose but maybe the one where I channeled a deceased relative and spoke in a foreign language (shocked the protagonist because she said it sounded just like him and she understood what was said )
• Favourite food:  Thai Green Chicken Curry and all things Italian
• What are you reading at the moment?:  This list of questions 🙂 And an article on “a lifetime of debt – working class women”
• Pets:   One nearly 14 yr old Dalmatian dog and one 13 yr old tortoiseshell cat

We invite you to take a look at the workshop information and register:

www.confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops/

The Spontaneous Voice: Instrument and Metaphor with Hilde Knottenbelt

Our voices are an expression of our embodied selves. In this workshop, participants will enter the territory of voice in a broad sense. They will connect to their voice as an embodied instrument, through attending to the breath, resonance, rhythm, tempo, pitch, melody, feeling and text. They will be invited to listen, respond and co-create vocally with others. Dramatic enactments related to the area of voice as metaphor will be produced and particular attention paid to the voice as instrument within the enactments.

The Things That Glow with Dr Antony Williams

Using a variety of frameworks, and moving between pairs and the large group, participants will recall times when happiness tapped them on the shoulder. We’ll uncover grand and humble life events that have made us – to our surprise, perhaps – feel joyful and alive. The time for all of them is past, but we can enact them psychodramatically in a series of short vignettes, and lay out the welcome mat should they come again. You never know, we may even be able to discern certain threads between these times of happiness or contentment, which will help us be on the lookout for them in the future. We’ll spend some time preparing and delivering a post-session ritual for a protagonist in one of these vignettes.

Freedom from Shame and Doubt with Annette Fisher

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt is a developmental stage in Eric Erikson’s psychological development theory. Through progressive role development, the psychodramatic method assists us to be free from the restraints of shame and doubt. This leads to a strengthening of identity and self-reliance that brings independence of thought and a basic confidence to think and act for oneself.

The conference is getting close now. We are very much looking forward to seeing you in January!

With warm wishes – the conference committee: Katherine, Lynley, Jenny, Tom, Bona, Rollo, Jo, Annette, Penny

We are delighted to announce that the full Conference Programme is now available on the Conference website. Take a look: www.confer16.aanzpa.org/conference-sessions/

Warm up to getting your groove on and take a look at the Dinner Dance page as well: www.confer16.aanzpa.org/dinner-dance/ . Scroll down the page for details about the venue/location etc.

Warmly … Katherine, Tom, Jenny, Lynley, Rollo, Bona, Jo, Annette and Penny

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

THE EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS 10^TH NOVEMBER. This means that your payment MUST be sent to the Conference Treasurer by midnight on 10^th November, at the absolute latest, if you wish to qualify for the Early Bird fee!

It is NOT enough to have registered by the Early Bird deadline; you must have paid as well! So get your registration form in early www.confer16.aanzpa.org/registration/

We are committed to a turnaround time for invoicing that is as quick as possible, and we will work hard to make sure all registrations get processed in time for Early Bird, but we cannot guarantee getting back to you with an invoice any quicker than 5 working days, so please submit your registration with that in mind.

If you leave it too late (i.e. invoice payment occurs after the deadline), there is a risk you may miss out on the Early Bird rate.

Please also ensure that you have paid your AANZPA membership subscription PRIOR to registering for the Member’s Early Bird. If your membership is not current, you run the risk of delays in your registration processing and missing out on the Early Bird Rate.

If you are paying by direct debit close to the deadline, it would help us if you sent an email to the Treasurer (conftreasurer@aanzpa.org ), confirming your payment details and with a copy of the deposit reference number or confirmation of deposit email.

Thank you very much for your co-operation in this!

Don’t forget to check out the initial list of Presenters and Workshops that are on the website now www.confer16.aanzpa.org/program/  This list is subject to change. Keep your eye out for the full program and session descriptions which will be on the website sometime late November.

With warm wishes- Conference Convener – Katherine Howard, Conference Registrar – Jenny Postlethwaite, Conference Treasurer – Tom Schwarz, Program Committee – Bona Anna and Rollo Browne.

# NEWSFLASH!!!! Conference Sessions Announced

We are excited to announce that the initial listing of presenters and workshop titles is now available on the Conference website. www.confer16.aanzpa.org/program/

Further information regarding each session and a timetable of when sessions will be offered, will be published on the website later in November.  Please note that the listing is subject to change.

# Don’t forget EARLY BIRD Registration closes on 10^th November

# Pre and Post Conference Workshops:  There are still spaces available in Antony Williams pre conference workshop- “The Things That Glow”,  Hilde Knottenbelt’s pre-conference workshop “The Spontaneous Voice: Instrument and Metaphor” and Annette Fisher’s Post conference workshop “Freedom from Shame and Doubt”. We invite you to peruse more about the exciting offerings and register! www.confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops/

# Sydney Festival: If you are interested in attending any of the Sydney Festival events before or after the conference, now is the time to book! See Penny’s Picks! www.confer16.aanzpa.org/free-time/

With warm wishes – the conference committee: Katherine, Lynley, Jenny, Tom, Bona, Rollo, Jo, Annette, Penny

Here in Sydney, we are continuing to warm up to hosting you at the AANZPA Conference 2016. Time is flying as the Conference approaches and we have some important deadline dependent information and requests for you –

Summary

1. PLEASE REGISTER NOW RATHER THAN WAITING FOR EARLY BIRD CLOSURE DATE
2. PLACES STILL AVAILABLE IN PRE AND POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
3. EARLY BIRD DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 10^TH NOVEMBER
4. CONFERENCE CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE
5. SYDNEY FESTIVAL TICKETS SHOULD BE PURCHASED NOW

1:  In order to prevent a log jam of registrations close to early bird closure, and to be kind to our Registrar and Treasurer —– if you know that you are going to attend the conference and can manage it, we would be enormously grateful if you would register sooner (now!) rather than later! www.confer16.aanzpa.org/registration/

2:  There are still spaces available in Antony Williams pre conference workshop- “The Things That Glow”,  Hilde Knottenbelt’s pre-conference workshop “The Spontaneous Voice: Instrument and Metaphor” and Annette Fisher’s Post conference workshop “Freedom from Shame and Doubt”. We invite you to peruse more about the exciting offerings and register! www.confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops/

3:  The Conference Program will begin to go up on the website toward the end of October. So that you have a chance to peruse the program, we have extended the Early Bird closure to 10^th November. www.confer16.aanzpa.org/program/

4 : The Conference calendar is now available on the website for those of you who are needing to plan travel. Here is the link: www.confer16.aanzpa.org/calendar/

5:  If you are interested in attending any of the Sydney Festival events before or after the conference, now is the time to book! See Penny’s Picks! www.confer16.aanzpa.org/free-time/

With warm wishes- the conference committee: Katherine, Lynley, Jenny, Tom, Bona, Rollo, Jo, Annette, Penny.

Spring Has Sprung and Registrations Are Open!

September 1^st, spring is in the air, the wattle is blooming. Which can only mean …… registrations are now open for AANZPA Conference 2016!!

And our Conference Registrar, Jenny Postlethwaite, is ready and waiting to hear from you.

Registrations are via the website at confer16.aanzpa.org/registration, where you can complete an online registration form. The Registration web page also contains background  information for you regarding the Conference Disability and Refund Policies.

We encourage you to register early to take advantage of the Early Bird prices (which close on November 1^st) or if you are keen to lock in a place at one of the stimulating Pre or Post Conference workshops –

• The Spontaneous Voice: Instrument and Metaphor with Hilde Knottenbelt
• The Things That Glow with Dr Antony Williams
• Who is Nearest? Who is Dearest? The Significance of the Individual and the Formation of Group Culture with Chris Hosking
• Freedom From Shame And Doubt with Annette Fisher

More detail on the workshops is available on the website at confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops .

Bookings for on site accommodation at the conference are being separately managed directly by Hotelspace, on behalf of Sancta Sophia College. Information regarding how to book  your accommodation will be provided to you as complete the registration process. This information can also be accessed directly via the Accommodation page on the website confer16.aanzpa.org/accommodation (toward the bottom of the page).

If you need any help as you progress along the registration pathway, Conference Registrar Jenny can be contacted –

• via email at confregistrar@aanzpa.org
• or by telephone at 0409 533 411 (+61 4095 33411 if calling from outside Australia)

 The Locale – Your Relationship With Sydney

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Sydney! There are many ways you might engage with the city and its many attractions while you are here. Our aim is for you to feel welcome, happy to be here and have a good time.

So, Penny B has been out and about exploring the neighbourhood around Sancta Sophia College, and Sydney more broadly. The Locale page on the website (confer16.aanzpa.org/the-locale) contains a treasure trove of useful information she has gathered about  neighbourhood basics such as the weather, eating out, where to get a decent coffee and other such everyday essentials. There are also insights into the Sydney transport system and some great ideas for what you could do in your free time before, during or after the conference.  Keep an eye out for Penny’s Picks and Penny’s Transport Tips!

We’ll keep updating this page as new treasures come to light and Penny will also be available in person throughout the conference to assist you with ideas, queries and some printed resource material.

THOUGHTS ON THE THEME AND

REMINDER!!!!!!!!! CALL FOR WORKSHOP PRESENTERS

From Katherine:  “The Truth is in the Relationship”   I remember that my choice before and at the Community Gathering  in March 2015 was “It’s all about relationships”.  And then Joyce Williams’ voice and spirit seemed to enter the room. 

Joyce’s is a spirit not without controversy and difficult memories here in Sydney.  She was a wonderful Psychodrama Director.  The unanimous choice of the conference theme was a healing moment for me, and I think for us as a community.

I remember times when Joyce would speak (or shout) to a protagonist who appeared to be searching inside their own head for answers (you can tell when someone’s eyes roll back, can’t you?)-  or the seemingly hours of staring into the lovely Persian carpet she had on the floor for our training groups. The abrupt instruction (encouragement is too soft a word) to bring your attention back to the eyes/the face/ the being of the person/auxillary standing before you. Because the truth is not behind your eyes, at the back of your head/in the carpet/or in the sky. The truth is in the relationship- the co-creation of that living entity that is somewhere alive between the 2 of us.

I remember a group long ago when Max had every person in the room come up to me and gaze into my eyes.  Every person.  It was excruciating, but at the same time incredibly joyful. I have rarely felt so vulnerable, so seen, so loved and loving.  The window to our souls.   Both of us.  There is truth between us.

When I decided to re-enter a relationship with my current partner, I promised this- that as far as I possibly could, and when I could, I would continue to put my truth out, into that space between us- and that forms the commitment that we both have to the relationship.  Not perfect- because I do quite like to roll my eyes back to look at the inside back of my skull. But I want to stay in this relationship. So I remember Joyce’s words. And make a choice to roll my eyes back to look at him and express what is in me.

The Truth is in the Relationship.

Recently, I put out a request for some people to write a response to the conference theme. What follows are the juicy, thought provoking responses. 

My hope is that you will read these and warm up further to the conference……..

To creating a workshop proposal

To coming along and being in relationship with us.

The responses below are given in the order in which I received the thought…………………….

From Jenny Postlethwaite: The truth is in the relationship ……. Early on in my involvement with psychodrama I witnessed Max Clayton directing two folks in an intense encounter, as they stand face to face a few feet from one another. Max instructs an auxiliary to take up the role of what is flowing between them and the auxiliary moves a few feet off to one side, forming a sculpture. Max starts yelling “What are you doing? It doesn’t happen over there! The relationship is here, right here, flowing between the two of them. There is Freddy, Mary and THEIR RELATIONSHIP. It has a quality of its own.” I got it!

From Jo Dewar: My thoughts and feelings are open and ready to encounter the possibilities and creativity within the relationship.  The role of the conference connector is there for me to nurture and develop in the moment . I am so excited about relationships. I am still learning (and it still excites me) to keep a light shining in me for the possibilities that are there for me and the other person in a moment to moment encounter. I am really excited about seeing everyone at the conference. My dance card is ready 🙂

From Martin Putt:  i warm up to relationships as two way traffic   and  a space we inhabit .    Winnicott called it the ‘playspace’

From Claire Guy:  Maintaining I’m Ok -You’re Ok in multiple role relationships

From Liz Marks:  I warm up to  Relationships  Embodied   and,  Our bodies speak the truth of the relationship.

From Helen Phelan:  My thought:    You, me and the in-between

From Cher Williscroft:  I warm up to Having truthful relationships – I may offer workshop on Constructive Courageous Conversations

From Bona Anna:  The relational approach challenges me to first and foremost stay alive to myself, the ways I respond to others and the roles I warm up to, so I can come to better insights regarding my relationships with others, and act on them. Must say it keeps me on my toes……..

From Penny Beran:          Between us  

Your eyes, my eyes      

sometimes it hurts       

courage

AND………………Here is the Reminder for Workshop Proposals:

We invite you to peruse the Invitation, warm up to your workshop, fill out the proposal form and email the proposal form to confprogramme@aanzpa.org . It is as easy as clicking on this link: www.confer16.aanzpa.org/call-for-presenters/

Proposals will be accepted by our program committee, Rollo Browne and Bona Anna, until 31^st August 2015.

Yours in anticipation: Katherine, Tom, Jenny, Lynley, Rollo, Bona, Jo, Annette and Penny.

We are thrilled to announce the Pre and Post Conference workshops. We have a great line up!

Presenters are: Hilde Knottenbelt, Antony Williams, Chris Hosking and Annette Fisher.

Details about them and their workshops are available via this link:  www.confer16.aanzpa.org/pre-post-conference-workshops/

You will be able to register for these workshops when Registration opens on September 1^st.

Yours in anticipation: Katherine, Tom, Jenny, Lynley, Rollo, Bona, Jo, Annette and Penny.

 ,

CALL FOR PRESENTERS 

Now On Webpage

The Conference committee here in Sydney are very excited to announce that the Call For Presenters for Conference 2016 is now open!

We invite you to peruse the Invitation, warm up to your workshop, fill out the proposal form and email the proposal form to confprogramme@aanzpa.org . It is as easy as clicking on this link: Invitation To Present

Proposals will be accepted by our program committee, Rollo Browne and Bona Anna, from today until 31^st August 2015.

On another program note: we are finalising the pre and post conference workshops right now and anticipate the announcement of these will be within the next 2 weeks.

Yours in anticipation: Katherine, Tom, Jenny, Lynley, Rollo, Bona, Jo, Annette and Penny.