Information for Trainees

PANZ Whakatū Nelson (Psychodrama Aotearoa NZ) offers training in psychodrama through year-long programmes, training and experiential workshops, reading, writing, peer practice group, social activities and supervision. Most courses are open to those who wish to develop their professional abilities without necessarily becoming certificated practitioners.

The Training

PANZ Whakatū Nelson provides training which leads to certification as a certification as a role trainer, psychodrama director, sociodrama director and sociometrist. PANZ Whakatū Nelson is accredited by Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association Inc (AANZPA).

The purpose of the programme is to develop integrated knowledge of the theory and excellence in the practice of the psychodrama method. This method assists people to work with groups and individuals in therapeutic, educational, creative and organisational settings. This training is also of value to those in positions where providing leadership is central to their role.

Significant learning and application can be achieved without completing requirements for full certification. Professionals wanting to further develop their abilities may be eligible to participate in ongoing training groups and/or specific workshops.

Training involves attending the year-long programme including specific training workshops, experiential workshops, reading, writing, peer group activities and supervision.

The curriculum for each programme is based on the material set out in the AANZPA Training and Standards Manual.

  • Core Curriculum Training introduces the core elements of the psychodrama method through demonstration, teaching, group process and supervised practice.
  • Intermediate Training strengthens trainees’ role development in the areas of directing, auxiliary work and group work. Trainees are expected to complete some reading and writing requirements.
  • Advanced Training assists in the refinement of the skills of the director and the application of these in personal and professional settings. Advanced trainees are expected to complete reading, writing and peer group activities. Advanced trainees are also expected to join AANZPA and to seek supervision for the application of psychodrama in their work settings.
  • Nelson Campus PANZ will create multi-level training groups that will be responsive to the training needs of all participating trainees.
Training Plan
Trainees are expected to develop an annual training plan in consultation with the Institute training staff. New trainees will develop a training plan in their initial meeting with a staff trainer with PANZ Whakatū Nelson.

Trainees who are re-enrolling will update their training plan each year in consultation with a PANZ Whakatū Nelson staff trainer.

Complete your Training Plan here

Curriculum and Accreditation

The curriculum for each programme is based on the material set out in the AANZPA Training and Standards Manual and includes teaching, practice, coaching, and supervision.

The process of accreditation is described in the AANZPA training manual, and involves both written and practical assessments.

Supervision

Supervision is an integral part of the training process and is central to the ongoing personal and professional growth of the trainee. As trainees progress in their training and apply the psychodrama method in their life and work, supervision assists in the integration of learning. Supervision provides a context in which trainees can reflect on their functioning and key relationships and creates an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with the dilemmas and dynamics of professional practice.

Individual supervision sessions are available from the Institute staff and other approved supervisors. A suitable supervisor is selected in consultation with your current trainer.

Training Records

PANZ maintains a training record for each trainee. In addition to this trainees are expected to keep a record of their attendance at training events. Trainees can request a summary of their training record for a fee of $25; please contact the  PANZ Administrator <office@psychodrama.org.nz>.

Psychodrama Library

PANZ Whakatū Nelson maintains an up-to-date library, with a range of articles, books, journals and theses. These may be borrowed by trainees for a period of one month. A fee will be charged for overdue items.

Ethics

As mentioned in the Training Agreement, trainees are expected to be familiar with and abide by the AANZPA Code of Ethics.

All PANZ Whakatū Nelson staff members are AANZPA members, and as such are bound by the AANZPA Code of Ethics.

PANZ Whakatū Nelson Staff and Trainers

Cher Williscroft

Cher Williscroft

PANZ Whakatū Nelson Director of Training

Cher is a Sociodramatist and Trainer Educator Practitioner (TEP) with PANZ and is Director of Training for the Wakatu/Nelson campus. She currently sits on the Board of Examiners and holds the role of the Practical Assessment Registrar. She has served twice on the AANZPA Executive as Membership Secretary and Secretary.

Cher’s early career was in Community Arts, Community Education, Community Recreation and Community Development, working for Nelson City Council and Nelson Polytechnic.For 8 years she worked in leadership roles at the Sealord Group Ltd as Human Resources Manager and then Organisation Development Manager, where she applied herself as a sociodramatist in the leadership of Maori and Japanese owned commercial seafood organisation.

As Managing Director of her business, Conflict Management Ltd (since 1986), she developed her lifelong interest in conflict resolution working as a mediator, facilitating breakthrough communication in the workplace. In 2004 she developed a successful workshop called
Courageous Conversations running several times each year since 2004 and she continues to teach the conflict resolution methods that she has developed, today in Courageous Conversations Masterclasses. She currently supervises clients in leadership positions.

Cher holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Women’s Studies from Murdoch University in WA

Living in Nelson, by the sea with her partner John, she kayaks, hangs out in nature, and cooks from the garden. She performs in a singing duo, keeps fit, and drafts and constructs her own clothes. Her daughter Maddy and her partner with two mokopuna are the joy of her life.

Claire Guy

Claire Guy

Claire is a Nelson-based Psychodramatist, TEP and registered psychotherapist. She is known for her spontaneity and authenticity. She has learned through 30 years of experience that laughter and a playful spirit assists the digestion of painful memories and almost unbearable circumstances. She supervises many parents, family workers, counsellors and other practitioners who work with children. One client said to her recently, "Coming to see you is like going to a good movie. First of all, I tell you what is going on; then by some miraculous means we have a laugh together; then I have a good cry. I leave feeling much lighter and happier with myself".

Visiting Trainers

Chris Hosking

Chris Hosking

Chris Hosking is an action methods practitioner and trainer with considerable breadth of experience. She has been training people in psychodrama and sociometry for many years in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Greece and Japan. Her training orientation is based upon an experiential learning model and a systems approach. She is a qualified Psychodramatist and Trainer, Educator and Practitioner with the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association and a Distinguished Member of AANZPA.

Contact

PANZ Whakatū Nelson

Staff Trainers

Administrator