Foundations & Developing Practice Training Group 2026

The purpose of the Foundations and Developing Practice Training Group is to provide new trainees with an introduction and overview of the entire content of the method – psychodrama, sociodrama, sociometry, role training, and group work; and to deepen and extend the theory and practice being learned by returning trainees. The training is experiential meaning that participants learn through being a protagonist, taking up auxiliary roles, directing, and through being active group members. The process is designed to bring about an integration of theory and practice in each trainee.

Training involves attending the year-long programme, other training and personal development workshops, reading, writing, practising with peers, attending supervision and other social activities. Training is open to those who wish to develop their professional abilities without necessarily becoming certificated practitioners in psychodrama.

This year the programme will be led primarily by Martin Putt. Martin will co-lead with Vivienne Thomson and visiting trainer Cissy Rock. The programme includes three opportunities where all Auckland trainees will get to work together: at a 1 day in September when the venue has been booked for trainees to get together and organise themselves to practise together without supervision; a 3 day National workshop in October when we will be focusing on sociodrama which will be co-led by Viv, Martin & Cissy; and the final workshop for the year will be a 2 day event with all Auckland trainees co-led by Viv & Martin.

For some people attending a year or two of training enhances their ability to do the particular work they are focused on. Other people experience a desire to develop a level of sophistication and excellence in working with people using the psychodramatic method. These people work for 5  to 7 years to achieve certification with the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA) as a Psychodramatist, Sociodramatist, Sociometrist or Role Trainer. At the end of the training year, each trainee has a 40-minute consultation with members of the training staff to review role development, progress and next steps in their training.

*2026 enrolments will open on 1st December 2025*