Using Action Methods from Psychodrama in Groups, On Zoom

Presenter:  Paul Lesnik, LCSW, TEP

Psychodrama is a powerful modality that allows clients to explore feelings experientially in a safe environment. Sociometry, the underpinning of all group work, explores the choices we make and how these choices either bring us closer to or farther away from connection to others. In a group, sociometry makes apparent an invisible web of connection; the more we make the invisible connections between group members visible, the more opportunity they have to be connected to each other and as a group. This aids the clients in co-creating the group as a safe container necessary for taking personal risks and doing their therapeutic work.

Participants will engage in sociometric exercises including Spectrograms and Locograms and Sociometric Choice Making with the goal of implementing these in their work with client groups. The training will link some of Yalom’s therapeutic aspects of a group to sociometry and action methods.

At the end of this training, participants will:

1. Gain knowledge about sociometry and psychodrama techniques as interventions in action in a telehealth format
2. Explore the interplay of creativity and spontaneity and how to bring these concepts to aliveness within people and groups.
3. Learn how to judiciously and safely use proven action-oriented techniques to support behavior change, healing and wellness by building safety in action.
4. Engage in activities that support healthy connections within groups of people.

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Paul Lesnik, LCSW, TEP, is a Clinical Social Worker and Psychodrama and Expressive Arts Trainer based in San Diego. He works in many Expressive Arts modalities, including Psychodrama, Sandplay and Soul Collage® with clients. He conducts training groups for clinicians and mental health professionals in infusing the arts into their practice. He is the only Board-Certified Psychodrama Trainer in San Diego County. Paul works with the Friends of Sandplay/CAMFT Sandplay SIG to provide Sandplay trainings.

Recently Paul was presented with the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, Collaborator’s Award, (with Lin Considine, LMHC, TEP) 2021.

This is a District Meeting coordinated by the San Diego District