SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HOME BIRTH
PRESENTERS: PÉTER GIRGÁS – ANDREA KOCSI
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-12:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and social healing – recovery from collective crises and collective trauma
TYPE: Workshop
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20
TAGS: Social Healing, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Giving birth and being born is a universal experience for all of us. This topic continues to gather significant interest, spark debates, and evoke strong emotions. However, even if the experience seems unique, it is also deeply rooted in the social context, belief systems, and world views that define our society.
Some people believe that the sanctity of childbirth can only take place in an intimate environment of peace and quiet, and this is backed up by anthropological and medical research which highlights the lower risk of home births. However, women who choose to give birth at home often face anger, attacks, and stigmatization from the majority of society and institutional authorities.What are the social factors that lead a significant number of women to choose hospitals as their place of birth, despite reports of difficult experiences? Many women face humiliating, impersonal, and authoritarian treatment within the healthcare system, with a certain percentage experiencing trauma.
The aim of our workshop is to explore and raise awareness of the driving forces behind the above choices through sociodramatic exploration. We would like for our participants to be able to stand up for themselves or ask for help in vulnerable situations.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Andrea Kocsi, psychodrama leader with children and adults, sociodrama trainer, monodrama councellor.
Péter Girgás clinical psychologist, psychodrama assistant, sociodrama assistant.
I HAVE A DREAM
PRESENTER: KERSTIN JURDELL
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-12:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and power – the future of democratic values
TYPE: Workshop
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 20
TAGS: Sociodrama and Power, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair—So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow—I have a dream—I have a dream that one day—a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice—I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.(Martin Luther King)
Non-violence is an active action with the aim to act in conflicts without weapons and physical violence. Martin Luther King called it a soul force. For soul force, nonviolence is about getting outside of over/under power dynamics, where we win and someone else loses.
Moreno’s philosophy is founded on the idea of spontaneity and role-reversal, even with your antagonist. It does not mean you have the same values or accept he or she is right, but you are able to see who the antagonist really is and act creative.
After the session participants will have had experiences of nonviolent conflict resolution and be able to describe soul force and its connection with Morenian philosophy.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
MA, TEP, 40 years of experience as trainer and practitioner in psychodrama and sociodrama. Former University teacher in social work and science of religion. Organizer, 2007, of the 2nd sociodrama conference in Stockholm/Helsinki. Former board member of FEPTO (2017-2019)
TWO ACTION METHODS FOR ONE GLOBAL PURPOSE: SOCIODRAMA & THEATRE OF THE OPPRESSED FOR ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS
PRESENTERS: DANIELA SIMMONS-BOJANA GLUSAC DRASLA
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-12:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and more – Widening the scope of sociodrama: related fields, methodological exploration
TYPE: Workshop
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Any
TAGS: Sociodrama and More, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Sociodrama is an action method created by Dr. J.L. Moreno, Group members spontaneously enact a social situation, assuming assigned roles to study and address problems in collective relationships or social issues. Theatre of the Oppressed is a method created by the Brazilian practitioner Augusto Boal. It encompasses theatrical forms Boal first developed in the 1960s, initially in Brazil and later in Europe and North America. Boal’s techniques use theatre as a means of promoting social and political change. How can Sociodrama and Theatre of the Oppressed collaborate to promote, explore, understand, and advance human rights, fostering dignity worldwide? How can international practitioners use these two methods together to address the global purpose of humanity? This workshop will provide a methodology for understanding and initiating change.
After attending this session, the participants will be able to:
- Apply Sociodrama and Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to enact and analyze real-world human rights scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of these issues.
- Identify cross-cultural competence and skills to apply these action methods across diverse cultural contexts, considering nuances and sensitivities in addressing human rights issues globally.
- Examine creative techniques, facilitated by Sociodrama and Theatre of the Oppressed, as a catalyst for social and political change in the realm of human rights.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP is international trainer & supervisor, the creator of the Tele’Drama method and the founder and director of the International Tele’Drama Institute which has already welcomed thousands of people, from 78+ countries. Dr. Simmons is the 2022 ASGPP recipient of the Innovator’s Award for the creation of Tele’Drama. She is the current President of the American Society in Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP). Daniela Simmons’ professional experience, both in Europe and the US, is in educational, research, and consultancy work in the social sciences and mental health. She received training on the psychoanalysis of group relations in organizations at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, headquartered in London. She has been utilizing action methods sessions since 1995 in Europe and since 2005 in the US.
Bojana Glusac Draslar, Psychotherapist, Trainer, Supervisor, Educator
Bojana graduated in Special Education and Rehabilitation at Belgrade University. Upon fulfillment of required conditions in qualifications, experience and expertise, she received the ECP (European Certificate for Psychotherapy), and the title of educator in psychotherapy and supervisor. Her work is focused on Individual and group psychotherapy clients within a private clinic that she founded 1999., developing a new psychotherapeutic approach TP (Transpersonal Psychodrama), wellbeing programs, stress management and self-care, international leadership assessment, executive coaching, leadership development and teambuilding. She has written 3 books on Mindfulness and Wellbeing, as well as articles on psychotherapy and other people’s development approaches.
STRATEGIES FOR EMPOWERMENT:
NAVIGATING AND RESISTING ANTI-LGBTI RHETORIC
PRESENTERS: REGINA SEWELL – JENNIFER SALIMBENE
NAVIGATING AND RESISTING ANTI-LGBTI RHETORIC
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-12:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and social healing – recovery from collective crises and collective trauma
TYPE: Workshop
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 50
TAGS: Social Healing, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) rights are under pressure as social conservatives have increasingly taken action to target legislation and policies against LGBTI people. The political rhetoric driving these anti-LGBTI policies has led to an increase in the amount of hate speech and violence LGBTI people face and makes workspaces, schools and other public spaces feel unsafe. This impact is amplified by internalized messages stemming from years of micro-aggressions. In this workshop, we will use sociodrama to explore strategies to help LGBTI people navigate and resist the impact of anti-LGBTI rhetoric and find ways to help them effectively speak truth to power.
1. Define Kipper’s (2002) cognitive double.
2. Describe how to use embodied cognition to help participants experience a sense of empowerment.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Regina Sewell, LMHC, PCC, CP, PAT / PhD (Sociology) is a licensed counselor and CP and PAT who has been using psychodrama with clients and in groups since 2004 and Sociodrama in sociology classes since 2005. I am also the Secretary of the ASGPP and am on faculty with HVPI.
Jennifer Salimbene, LCSW-R, CASAC, TEP is a licensed social worker and addictions counselor, a graduate of the School of Playback Theatre and senior faculty member at HVPI.
MATRIX OF SOCIAL REFLECTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
PRESENTER: GORDANA MARIĆ LALOVIĆ
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-12:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and more – Widening the scope of sociodrama: related fields, methodological exploration
TYPE: Presentation with some action exercises
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Any
TAGS: Sociodrama and More, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Sociodrama in this presentation is defined as a combination of psychodrama and group analysis. Every meeting begins with free-floating discussion (ga), continues with personal psychodrama vignettes on stage(pd), without deepening the individual meaning of the vignets, but interpreted as the contribution to the matrix of the group (ga), ends with sharing (pd).
The presenter will talk about her experience in the application of this method in understanding art and society. And then specifically, more detail about the workshop “Sociodrama vignettes about the future“, which was held in Krk (Croatia) in 2023, within the climate camp. The workshop aimed to create a space to share intimate hopes and fears about the future in the context of climate change. Scheduled on the last day of camp, as we were saying goodbye, this workshop was the opportunity to get in touch with sadness and morning for things that we are going to part with (camp/ world as we know it).
In the second part of the presentation, there will be some action experience in a free-floating discussion for the participants.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Psychotherapist in private practice.
Experienced in playback theatre and social dreaming matrix.
For the last 15 years, I’ve been developing a method that combines psychodrama and group analysis in understanding society, literature and art.
I used to do workshops based on psychodrama reading literature for several years on a regular basis in the Student Cultural Center and for children in the Children Cultural Center
I was also a psychodrama guide with the exhibition in different galleries. At the Goethe Institute, it was a regular feature on programs.
I was also involved with, Living newspaper workshops in public places (caffe galleries). I participated in the Exit strategy exhibition in 2022, ULUS- creating in situ miniature dramas – “Psychosociodrama vignettes about exit”.
RETENTIVE POWER
Joined workshop by Women For Women Together Against Violence Association (NANE), Roma-Hungarian Association in Szomolya, Sajátszínház, and the Hungarian Psychodrama Association
PRESENTERS: KRISZTA HOFFMANN – IRÉN LÁZÁR
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: NaNe Office, 1071 Budapest, 30 Str Dembinszky
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
ENTRY REQUIREMENT: Due to the sensitive nature of the topic and in adherence to NANE’s policies, this workshop is exclusively open to female participants.
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
Our work combines the feminist support approach with the sociodrama method to respond to the structural discrimination faced by Roma women. Roma women in the countryside with poor economic conditions suffer from intensified, intersectional disadvantages. In this system, many fundamental rights are violated. It is precisely those institutions that discriminate and commit violence against vulnerable girls and women that are supposed to help them. The structural dysfunctions primarily affect the most vulnerable groups, placing them in opposition to the system’s workers. The care system workers are overwhelmed, with low material and symbolic recognition, with no professional or psychological support. The fate of many mothers often depends on the humanity of these workers.
The four partners in the consortium, formed to reduce institutional threats, share and harmonize their knowledge, methods, and experiences within a trauma-sensitive and safe space. They support both the extremely vulnerable groups of Roma women and the professionals working in institutions. To achieve this, they develop an effective group method, train professionals in its use, and raise broader public awareness of the issue.
We focus on the causes and resources rather than the symptoms.
We strengthen the community’s cohesive force instead of the individual.
We strive for partnership instead of hierarchy.
We believe in trust and empowerment rather than control.
The project is implemented with the support of the European Union’s “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” (CERV).
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Kriszta Hoffmann, social worker and supervisor, associate of the NANE Association. As a case worker, she has worked and continues to work mainly in the social field (homelessness, addiction and psychiatric care, child protection), primarily with victims of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse, trauma survivors and their families, and professionals wo are working with them. She specialises in trauma counselling and facilitating self-esteem restoration/enhancement processes, in individual and group work formats. Besides she supports as a trainer and supervisor professionals who themselves work with traumatised women and children
Irén Lázár: Social Worker, Family Caregiver
“I primarily work with disadvantaged Roma families. As a member of SZOMARO association, I have gained expertise in social work, pedagogy, and psychology. In my daily work, I engage in activities that involve Roma families, especially Roma women and girls. My responsibilities include promoting equal opportunities and integration for Roma youth, mentoring young people, assisting with their education, maintaining communication with schools, and fostering cooperation with families.”
REAL TEAM, REAL TIME
LEADERSHIP TEAM COACHING – A REAL TEAM COACHING SESSION WITH A SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP GROUP, INVOLVING CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
Workshop by Watson Coaching
PRESENTER: GABI SZABÓ
LEADERSHIP TEAM COACHING – A REAL TEAM COACHING SESSION WITH A SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP GROUP, INVOLVING CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: Carion Centre, 1023 Budapest, 25 Road Bécsi
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 30
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
The program showcases the team coaching work with an actual organisational leadership group. This work is action-oriented, utilising the methods of psychodrama and sociodrama. Team coaching strengthens collaboration, commitment to one another, and enhances the team’s vitality. Through action, we work on real issues, creating images of situations and desired states, overcoming obstacles, and utilising resources. This program has been repeated at regular intervals for three years. On June 28th, we invite conference participants as guests, accommodating around 30 people. The program consists of three parts. In the first part, we get acquainted and make agreements in a large group. The second part involves two hours of team coaching with the organisational team, with guests seated in an outer circle. In the third part, following the coaching work, there will be questions, feedback, and analysis in a large group, together with the organisational team.
The program is both unique and collective. It is team coaching for a specific team, yet the themes are universal to any community. Relationships, trust, group norms and their operation, the quality of collaboration, individual and group responsibility—these are important contemporary topics. Working sociodramatically with an organisational group that doesn’t use this methodology daily is a real challenge. This team consists of open, responsible leaders who value their own learning and are willing to share this with others, making it a collective learning experience.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Gabi Szabó
Master Certified Coach accredited by the International Coach Federation, group and team coach, coach trainer.
Certified psychodrama leader and supervisor.
Founder of the Watson Coach School and Coaching.
Creator of the action-oriented coaching approach, dedicated advocate for using psychodrama in organisational development and coaching.
Guest lecturer on coaching topics at three universities.
SOCIODRAMA AS A PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH TOOL IN SELF-ORGANIZING COMMUNITIES
Workshop by the School of Public Life Foundation
PRESENTERS: ORSOLYA FÓTI – ESZTER PADOS – FLÓRA BAUER – ZÓRA MOLNÁR
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: Aurora Community Centre, 1084 Budapest, 11 Str Aurora
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
The School of Public Life (KIA) is a community education and knowledge center, as well as a movement support institution, whose goal is to make the knowledge and skills necessary for self-organization accessible to everyone. KIA supports movement and civil organizations in operating more effectively through training and knowledge transfer. The organization’s core values are diversity, social justice, critical thinking, democratic participation, and solidarity.
The School of Public Life regularly conducts participatory action research programs and training sessions. Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a special approach whereby people involved in a topic investigate the reality around them in order to understand and then change it. The School of Public Life Foundation has been working with participatory action research since 2015, including conducting its own research projects and organizing regular training and workshops on the topic.
We aim to involve a total of 20 participants (10 from Roma organisations associated with the School of Public Life and 10 from the conference participants).
We consider the sociodrama method to be an ideal tool to reflect with the group members on the current public issues that are especially relevant to the Roma community. These topics can then serve as a starting point for participatory action research.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Orsolya Fóti has been working in various participatory settings for a number of years, involving communities and service users in activities that drive social and organisational change. She previously worked with the Participatory Action Research Forum (PARFORUM) in Hungary, participating in art-based participatory action research projects. Additionally, she was a member of the coordinating team for the PERFORMERS International Sociodrama Project. Currently, she works at a local authority in the UK, developing and managing participatory projects to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard, acted upon, and embedded in all decision-making processes.
Eszter Pados is a psychopedagogist, criminologist psychodrama leader, sociodrama leader, and trainer. She has worked for over a decade with children and young people affected by trauma, delinquency and substance abuse.
She is a member of the LOC of the 8th International Sociodrama Conference.
Eszter is member of several professional teams working with sociodrama. She is a co-founder of the Scope Working Group within the Hungarian Psychodrama Association, which uses the sociodrama method in educational and social institutions working with children and profesionals.
She is a member of the HeartSounds Community Theatre Company, which aims to raise awareness of the oppression, discrimination and institutional violence that particularly affects women in the care system.
From 2017 to 2022, Eszter was the coordinator of the PERFORMERS international sociodrama project at a youth detention center. Her editorial contributions include co-editing the books “Playing for the Future: Sociodrama in Juvenile Detention Centers” and “Expanding Reality: The Method of Sociodrama.”
She is working on participatory action research and qualitative psychology during her doctoral studies at Eotvos Loránd University.
Flóra Bauer
I’ve been working with groups for 15 years, starting with small children in summer camps, then the young adult volunteers, sometimes teachers, etc. Now, working at the School of Public Life, an activist school in Hungary, I am involved in the development of our training repertoire, I design new courses and run some of them, keep in touch with our trainers’ community and coordinate methodological developments.
My interest in dramatic tools emerged a couple of years ago, and since then I finished a course on drama pedagogy, attended several thematic workshops and had the opportunity to learn about sociodrama. I’m also part of an improv group, preparing for our first performance.
Zóra Molnár coordinates participatory action research projects and related training and workshops at the School of Public Life. This approach is important to her because it not only enables knowledge production, but also helps people to learn to stand up for themselves even if they previously thought they could not.
FROM BURNOUT TO HOPE? –
HOPEFULNESS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING IN ORGANISATIONS WORKING ON THE
SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL POLYCRISIS
Workshop by the Environmental Social Science Research Group (ESSRG)
PRESENTERS: MANUELA MACIEL – BARBARA MIHÓK – KATA HORVÁTH
HOPEFULNESS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING IN ORGANISATIONS WORKING ON THE
SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL POLYCRISIS
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: Central European University (CEU), 1051 Budapest, 15 Str Nádor
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 8
ENTRY REQUIREMENT: The workshop is open to professionals working on the field of ecology
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
In our team, the Environmental Social Science Research Group, we have recently started an internal reflection on hope. As professionals working in the field of environmental sustainability research, ESSRG researchers are increasingly exposed to high levels of mental stress caused by the environmental crisis. In this workshop, we would like to take the next step of this reflective work with the aim to sociodramatically process the themes of environmental anxiety, resilience, burnout, etc., and reflect on how we can preserve our mental well-being in the close study of polycrisis.
In addition to the ESSRG team members (6-8 people), we would also invite external professionals working in a similar field (about 5 people), and we would welcome about 5-8 people from the international scene to the conference.
Duration: 3 hours, followed by a wrap-up discussion.
The workshop is supported by the TRIGGER project (GA 101057739).
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Manuela Maciel (Portugal) is a Clinical and Social Psychologist, Psychodramatist, EMDR Practitioner and Founder of the International Sociodrama Conference (2007).
She is an experienced individual, group and educational therapist. She was the Chairperson of the Psychodrama Section of the IAGP – International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (2003-2009). Member of the board, supervisor and teacher in the Portuguese Psychodrama Society (SPP). Manuela was trained in Psychogenealogy and co-founded Anne Ancelin Schützenberger International School of Transgenerational Therapy, together with Yaacoov Naor and Leandra Perrotta.
She was the Founder and President of EMDR Portugal and Founder and Founder of the International Sociodrama Conference(2007-2023).
She wrote several articles and chapters in Psychodrama, Sociodrama and Transgenerational Therapy.
Barbara Mihók, PhD, Ecologist, mental health counsellor, ESSRG, University of Szeged,Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Institute of Ecological Economics
Barbara Mihók, PhD is a senior research fellow. She is an ecologist and a mental health professional by training. She deeply believes that meaningful (re-)connection to our human and other-than-human fellows is the key to well-being, empowerment and development.
After the completion of her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, she worked in inter- and transdisciplinary conservation and sustainability research at the Ecological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Faculty of Economics Research Centre of the University of Szeged and various research CSOs.
Over time her interest turned towards nature and human mental well-being and became inspired by participatory and action research and inclusive science. In ESSRG she is involved in research on nature-health connection and in participatory citizen science projects with vulnerable groups. In addition to research she is a practicing mental health counsellor providing service for individuals and groups often following an eco-therapeutic approach.
Kata Horváth is a cultural anthropologist, psychodrama leader, sociodrama leader, and trainer. From 2017 to 2022, she served as the international coordinator of the PERFORMERS sociodrama project. She is a co-founder of the Szívhangok (HeartSounds) Community Theater Company, which seeks to highlight the discrimination and institutional violence faced by Roma women in the care system. Additionally, she co-founded the “Hatókör” – Scope Working Group within the Hungarian Psychodrama Association, which uses the sociodrama method in educational and social institutions working with children. She also serves as lecturer at the Freeszfe Community Theater Training, is a directory board member of the Hungarian Psychodrama Association, and has authored numerous books and studies. She is a co-editor of the books “Playing for the Future: Sociodrama in Juvenile Detention Centers” and “Expanding Reality: The Method of Sociodrama.”
Kata is member of the LOC at the 8th International Sociodrama Conference
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WITH SOCIODRAMA IN A HOUSING ESTATE IN BUDAPEST
Workshop by the Sárrét Community Place
PRESENTERS: EDIT BALLA – JUDITH TESZÁRY
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: 1142 Budapest, Sárrét park 2.
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 13
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
In one of the housing estates in the suburbs of Budapest, a serious community conflict arose due to the cohabitation of people from diverse social classes and socio-cultural backgrounds, residing in various types of housing arrangements, alongside both Roma and non-Roma individuals, within a small, confined area.
We started to address the community conflict a year ago with community development based on the method of sociodrama, by working with a representative group of residents to discover their common values and shared resources.
At the beginning of the group process, two sociodrama assistants in training (Edit Balla and Beáta Bartos) led the sessions together with a sociodrama facilitator (Eszter Pados). By the second half of the year they become qualified sociodrama assistants.
During the work, the group expressed a desire for a place where they could be together and do things collectively. A large event was organised for the broader community to design this community space collectively. In February this year, with funding from a grant, we managed to renovate and open a settlement-type community space, and since then, we have been working on involving the broader community in a similarly representative manner. The residents also designed the layout of the space and assembled the furniture themselves.
True participation serves as the basis of everything we do. Alongside representatives of local organizations, the residents not only compiled the program offerings, community services, clubs, children’s and adult groups, and individual counseling sessions, but also created the principles of operation for the community space. We consider it important for residents not only to express their opinions when asked, but also to take part in the decision-making mechanisms that affect the operation of the community space. To this end, regular monthly meetings are held.
At this workshop, we invite you to work together with local residents in this community space to determine what could be their next joint cause to inspire the local community and build a social base. Is it institutionalization? Becoming a formal organization? Clarification of civil control and relationship with local authorities? The question of ownership of the space? Volunteerism? Or is it still about public littering, norm-breaking behavior, and low subjective sense of security?
All this is important because we believe that this type of democratic operation, exercising model behavior, can be exemplary for communities and local organizations that also think locally, who believe that increasing local active, participatory involvement can lead to a well-functioning society.
Ideally, the program is able to accomodate 10, a maximum of 13 conference participants, with the participation of 5-6 local group members.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Edit Balla: Community developer and social worker, as well as sociodrama and psychodrama assistant.
She earned her degrees in Sociology and Ethnography from the University of Pécs. During her many years of work in homeless services and transitional housing for families, she placed particular emphasis on developing services that promote the social inclusion of those living on the fringes of society. Her area of interest is supporting the coexistence and self-organization of social groups with different sociocultural backgrounds. In 2023, she graduated from the Master’s program in Community and Civil Studies at ELTE TÁTK and discovered the method of sociodrama within the framework of the Hungarian Psychodrama Association, which she applies in her community development work. In 2023, she was awarded the ‘For Zugló Commemorative Medal’ for her community development and social work.
Judith Teszáry MPE, FEPTO Judith Teszáry is a psychologist, psychodrama and sociodrama trainer supervisor, and international lecturer. She has been trained by Zerka Moreno at the Moreno Institute, Beacon, New York. She is a founding member of FEPTO (Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organisations) and was president for six years (2002-2008). She received a life achievement award. She is a member of the Task Force for Peace and Conflict Transformation group using the method of Sociodrama in conflict areas, helping the helpers to elaborate traumatic experiences, for example, after the Maidan revolution in Kyiv. Running two Ukrainian support/therapy groups. She has worked with psychosomatic patients, using psychosociodrama in a research and treatment project at the Karolinska Institute, Stress Research Department in Stockholm. She worked as a psychologist in foster care at Stockholm City Social Department. She trained social workers using sociodramatic methods. She is the chair of the Swedish Association of Psychodramatists. She is involved in a project as a socio-psychodrama director concerning Romani women’s experiences in Hungarian health care. She has used sociodrama to train Union leaders in the Swedish Industry Union and healthcare personnel in conflict management courses for ten years. She has been the professional supervisor and international coordinator of P.E.R.F.O.R.M.E.R.S, an Erasmus + project in Sociodrama. She had been a trainer and supervisor in the first sociodrama pilot training in Hungary within the Hungarian Psychodrama Association (MPE) She led the first sociodrama pilot training in Kairo, Egypt. She started a complete training program in Sociodrama in September 2023 at the Rakhawy Institute for Training and Research in Kairo.
COMMUNITY SPACE OR PREVENTION CENTER?
– ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
Workshop by the Belvárosi Community Center
PRESENTERS: CSILLA KUBOVICS-JUHÁSZ – IRINA STEFANESCU
– ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 9:00-12:00
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Workshop
LOCATION: Downtown Community Center, 1051, 9 Str Mérleg
MAPS: link
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
ABSTRACT:
The Belvárosi Közösségi Tér in Budapest V District Municipality promotes a preventative approach. We offer a complex, interconnected, and free service package to families living in the district, from the beginning of pregnancy until the end of adolescence. The backbone and methodological foundation of our professional program are based on Metamorphoses Therapy and Hanna Kende’s child psychodrama methodology, complemented by music therapy, movement and dance therapy, and dynamic sensory-motor development. Our specialists generally have experience in multiple areas, with additional qualifications and method-specific certifications (e.g., fairy tale therapy, child psychodrama, family therapy, sensory integration therapy) beyond their basic education (e.g., psychology, special education). This enables a professional teamwork approach with members of the district’s child social care and child protection system, ensuring a holistic perspective and professionalism.
Main professional activities:
- Open and closed groups for parents and children
- Systematic, family-focused support and assistance
- Movement development and movement therapy services
- Postpartum assistance, breastfeeding advice, baby sling advice
- Intergenerational programs supporting families
- Elderly programs
- Free day camps
- Temporary child supervision
- Family-friendly specialty café
The program aims to demonstrate how such a centre can be established, what professional questions and challenges arise, and how such an initiative can develop. Following the presentation of the centre, we will use the method of sociodrama to explore how to maintain boundaries and professionalism in such such a service while motivating attendees to work more on themselves, their children, and their families. This perspective will also be expanded to include connections with other institutions we cooperate with.
Anyone interested can participate in the program, with a maximum of 15-20 participants. The program will be held once and will last 2-2.5 hours.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Csilla Kubovics-Juhász is a psychologist and children psychodrama leader. She is a member of the Hungarian Family and Couple Therapy Association and Kende Hanna Child Psychodrama Association. Csilla started working at Bátor Tábor from 2017 (Serious Fun Children’s Network) where they work with children living with chronic diseases. Although from 2022 she is the professional manager of prevention at Downtown Community Centre, she is still connected to Bátor Tábor as a grief counsellor with families who lost their child, and also works with children psychodrama groups.
Irina Stefanescu: As a practitioner of psychodrama since 2009 (ARPsiC) and sociodrama (BPA) since 2012, Irina integrated the use of these action methods in her professional practice of coaching and organisational development consultant, being a creative learning partner for people and their organisations. She introduces sociodrama to psychodrama schools from various European countries. Together with a beautiful team – Norbert Apter, Valerie Monti Holland, Eveline Jost and Peter Schoenhagen, they have developed and run a certificate training in sociodrama and action methods for trainers, coaches, managers and social workers in Genève, Switzerland.
PARTICIPATORY WALKS – NEW PERSPECTIVES ON URBAN SPACES
Program by the Ecopsychology Institute
PRESENTERS: ANNA BABATI – ÁGNES BUJDOS – KRISZTINA CSÜLLÖG – ANNA FARÁDY-COLE – RÉKA KOVÁCS – ANETT WIERZICZKY
Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 28th of June, Friday 10:00-11:30
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Local Community Program
TYPE: Participatory Walks
LOCATION: The walks start from various locations (see details below)
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 36 in six different groups
TAGS: Local Communities, June28 Morning
GUIDE: Anna Babati
STARTING POINT: European Youth Centre Budapest, Zivatar Street 1-3
MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/DQk4NXe46PYcNHDe7
Exploring Heights and Depths in the Urban Environment
As a nature connection facilitator, my mission is to help people form deeper connections with nature and each other. By walking in nature and sharing experiences, I assist individuals in discovering new perspectives and recognizing the networks that link us with one another and the natural world around us. I believe that nature is not just a place we visit, but a vital system we participate in, where we can build genuine relationships. I aim to show that nature is not merely a backdrop in our daily lives, but an active partner that helps us live more fully and harmoniously, connecting with each other.
In this nature connection program, I will uniquely demonstrate in an urban setting how heights and depths can help us shift from our usual perspectives (both metaphorically and literally ☺) even within the city. I will show how, in the bustling city, nature can be found in the most unexpected places. By the end of the walk, I hope you will be able to see the built environment around us through a different lens.
GUIDE: Ágnes Bujdos
STARTING POINT: Lövőház Street, Statue of 1956 Memorial
MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tto4aAtUamhijpbz6
Hello! My name is Ágnes Bujdos. I am a landscape architect. During my everyday life, I work on designing the green spaces of Budapest and their decorative appearance. But to me, nowadays it’s worthless as long as green spaces are just decoration for people. I would like us to look deeper with the help of plants. Join me before the conference with a short walk connecting with the urban nature, through the exciting streets of the area. We will watch with a slightly different eye.
Let’s meet at the corner of Széllkapu park – in front of Széna square. You will find a statue of 1956 memorial.
GUIDE: Krisztina Csüllög
STARTING POINT: Margit bridge in Buda, Elvis Presley park, equestrian statue
MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5BDLY1eeyfBuZ3j16
Krisztina Csüllög, PhD sociologist, biologist in the ecological sector, participatory walk facilitator
As a biologist, I studied insects, as a sociologist I studied human networks, and the use and impact of info-communication technologies on social relations. Being in the field of market research, I mainly dealt with technological topics. I returned to nature in recent years: I moved from the capital to Pilis, where I spend a lot of time gardening and hiking. In 2023, I graduated from the Ecopsychological Institute’s participatory walk facilitator training. I mostly take my walks in Pilis, in a forest environment, often with yoga and tai chi exercises, but I have also gained experience in urban environments. During my current participation walk, we will visit a special Turkish flower garden, where we focus our attention mostly on the connections between different creatures (plant-insect-human).
GUIDE: Anna Farády-Cole
STARTING POINT: On the corner of Margit and Mecset Streets, 47.5145971, 19.0350000
MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5BDLY1eeyfBuZ3j16
Some of my fondest childhood memories are wandering freely in the tidal forest or on the lowlands, near my hometown. These childhood experiences served a strong foundation of nature connection. Thanks to the ever growing climate anxiety I felt, I encountered the field of ecopsychology. As a nature connection facilitator I feel I found a way to contribute to a more harmonious future.
During the participative walk we will connect to the scents and the city of Budapest, while getting to know the perspective of the more than human world.
GUIDE: Réka Kovács
STARTING POINT: at the fountain in the Margit street park, 47°30’52.8″N 19°02’00.2″E
MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/duukShHApLzyiDrZ8
I’m Réka Kovács, a nature connection facilitator. After graduating from the Veterinary University of Košice with a degree in Human-Animal Relationship and its use in Equine and Canine Therapy, I realized that although we had studied about humans and animals, we had missed the relationship itself. Then I found the Ecopsychology Institute’s Nature Connection Facilitator training, which showed me how to help others connect with nature. My programs include practical knowledge as well as communication with animals and playfulness. My participatory walk includes trying out how it is to “feel like a dog” and diving into the flow of information.
GUIDE: Anett Wierziczky
STARTING POINT: GPS: 47.51167611209436, 19.039474385977552
MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WJ3ePeDADSgwFWZo7
In my urban life, everyday activities and work, I primarily deal with people and the built environment defined as home, but everyday experiences and concepts have been placed in a broader context thanks to the methodology of ecopsychology. As a Nature Connection facilitator, I may support you in looking at your environment and yourself in it differently.
During my program, we will connect to ourselves, our communities, and our broader environment at various levels. We observe how our communities and our broader or narrower environments shape each other based on our habit of using spaces – and how this correlates with (ecological) awareness.
My program starts here (GPS: 47.51167611209436, 19.039474385977552) at 10 AM. We will conclude our nature connection walk together at the European Youth Centre.
We start exactly on time, so please plan to arrive a few minutes before.
