Workshops
Liz White: Weaver of workshops
In addition to the tailor-made workshops that she develops for a specific staff groups, Liz has up her sleeve a range of workshop designs that are of wide interest, as they affect group members as individuals, and enhance professional capability in management and service. These workshops may be offered as life management experiences or as training events. Here are a few examples
Befriending Our Defences
Defensive behaviours are those that kick in automatically when we feel threatened in some way. They are not chosen or spontaneous. They are impulsive and disconnected from our real needs and those of others. They are characterized by high energy and unsatisfying outcomes. They also trigger other people's defences and escalate challenging situations into conflicts.
In this workshop we introduce four common defensive stances and explore the dynamics of each reactive position. Participants identify their personal favourite, and the ones in others that they find most challenging. Using expressive arts and action techniques, they learn to recognize their own and others' defence systems, and to find respectful and effective responses to themselves and to others to break the impasses that inevitably result from defensive behaviour.
Action Speaks Louder
Working one-to-one with clients can sometimes include sessions of impasse and repetitive content. There are a number of short, simple action methods that can help both client and counsellor to find new material for the work and new points of reference for future sessions.
"If Only...." Psychodrama and the Seasons of Mourning
In this workshop we identify five aspects of the journey of loss and some experiences that may help in life reconstruction. We give substance to those experiences of unfinished business that disturb our mourning, make connection to whatever is life-giving, and find a new integration in the reality of a changed life.
Creativity and Change
If we are relieved of pressure to change, we can use a wide range of techniques to help us to orchestrate our own growth in response to our own rhythms. This workshop introduces six techniques for exploring the potential for growth in such a way that the participants find their own direction and timing. By identifying change and honouring our own reluctance, we paradoxically are changed.
Bibliodrama: The Power of Story in Action
Bibliodrama is the name Moreno gave to the enactment of story. Fables, myths, fairy tales, movies, children's books are all rich resources for learning, connection and magic.
Tales in action illustrate the ways in which a group choice and enactment of a tale gives life and shape to the themes of the group and the roles of group members and the leaders in the group story. The group members are involved spontaneously, and, upon reflection, they see themselves and their group with new dimensions and creative possibilities for change.
Archetypal images people our imagination, and they can inform our lives.
The Bible in Action provides the opportunity for group members to enter into the familiar passages of the Old and New Testaments and come away with insight and awareness about their life and the gift of the scripture. The Good Samaritan investigates community service, boundaries, risk. Nicodemus challenges us to risk new definitions of faith, Job's story asks us to find ourselves in the face of suffering. Group themes are evoked by the action, and individuals are surprised into awareness as the passage comes to life.
Sociodrama and the Living Newspaper
Peacebuilding in a Troubled World
Bringing diversity home
Our daily lives are lived in the context of community life and are influenced by what we read. Sociodrama provides an exploration of shared situations so that we can explore different roles in our society. Social justice initiatives arise out of the deeper understanding that emerges from sociodrama. In our newspaper stories we find themes that trouble us and can imagine wiser and more creative ways to contribute to our community life.