clients in training workshops

[Sylvia Israel]

Dear Jacob, Barnett and Rebecca,
Thank you so much for writing.
I recently consulted with my supervisor about this issue so it is fresh 
on my mind. I get confused about how to draw the boundaries, 
particularly for one-day offerings. I am still discovering my own 
comfort level and beliefs. I have seen groups configured in so many 
different ways. I have also seen people hurt in the process. I have also 
seen some "dual relationships" work. Thanks for adding your pieces.
Look forward to seeing you in NY.
Happy holidays to those celebrating.
Sincerely,
Sylvia

Jacob Gershoni wrote:

>Dear Sylvia and the Grouptalkers,
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>Thanks for your message about my open workshops. Trying to reply I find myself needing to offer some background information.
>
>When I joined Bob Siroka’s psychodrama training group I was impressed by his abilities and skills as director and group leader but also by the group composition in which I became a member. It was a large group (more than 20 members), striking in its diversity:  a huge age span, men and women, of many backgrounds. This was a training group but some of the members were there for “personal” work, clearly not even planning to become certified psychodramatists. While some members were successful professionally and with highly developed interpersonal skills, there were others who are struggling making ends meet and even socially isolated. The group experience was profound. We met once a week for three hours and could attend a full-day workshop which Bob co-led with Jacquie on a Saturday once a month. The latter was an open workshop open to all. Later, when I started leading my own groups and open workshops I often wondered why and how that model, where mixing trainees and clients 
>in one group, worked. Of course, those in training had to study the theories and prepare for the exams and onsite evaluations. Nonetheless, the lines are blurred between personal and professional motivations to pursue a deeper understanding and knowledge of this method at once fascinating and elusive. The mixed group model worked not only because of the charismatic leadership of Bob and his masterful abilities, but also because of the power of the group process and effect of sociometry and psychodrama in bringing together people of vastly different interests and professional/ educational goals. Unlike the open workshops, both the training groups and therapy groups are not open to people who wish to just attend once or more. Membership in such groups is closed at a certain point.
>
>It takes time and work to acquire and hone directing skills. Directing is an intricate and  subtle art from, beyond just studying the theories and grasping the techniques. It is an ongoing process and I learned that not being completely satisfied or happy with my own skills is part and parcel of this process.
> 
>In my own groups I try to apply what I have learned. In my LGBT group the age range spans from 32 to 88, and the level of functioning is also varied. I learned to work with these differences and with the commonalities among group members. In my open workshops some of my clients attend as well as others. In most cases people register, but even if they don’t they are drawn to psychodrama either because of past experience or because they are referred by their own therapists. I have learned to trust my abilities to deal with problems as they arise and to trust the process and the power of the group. It is difficult to explain what it takes to be present with the group, to listen to the members’ narrative and transform it into actions in ways that speak to most group members.
>So, Sylvia, if you happen to come to the East Coast, I’ll be happy to see you in any of my workshops. Then we can analyze what has worked and what hasn’t.
>Until then, I look forward to meeting you again in the ASGPP conference in New York.
>
>Jacob Gershoni
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>----- Original Message -----
>From: Sylvia Israel <sylvia at imaginecenter.net>
>Date: Friday, September 29, 2006 2:19 am
>Subject: clients in training workshops
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>  
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>>Dear Jacob and grouptalkers,
>>I read Jacob's announcement of the wonderful series of workshops 
>>he is 
>>offering. He writes that they are:
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>>    
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>>>personal growth and training workshops
>>>
>>>      
>>>
>>In regard to the discussion we have been having about clients in 
>>training groups, I wonder if this is a personal growth workshop 
>>for 
>>trainees, for  clients or for both?   Our discussion has been very 
>>interesting to me, as I am the only psychodramatist in my area, 
>>and 
>>taking my TEP exam in a few weeks. So just wondering how they do 
>>this at 
>>the NYC Institute. I some times struggle with who to open one-day 
>>workshops to.
>>
>>Any comments--if you have anything new to add to the discussion, 
>>would 
>>be appreciated.
>>Sylvia Israel
>>
>>
>>Grouptalk mailing list
>>List at grouptalkweb.org
>>http://grouptalkweb.org/mailman/listinfo/list_grouptalkweb.org
>>
>>    
>>
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