Working with the dynamics of groups

Joost Levy (TSTA-O, CTA-E, Health psychologist - therapist)

Conference: Saturday, October 29th, 10.45 - 17.30

Eric Berne described a model of groups. In his model he gives a clear image of working with organisational boundaries. Psychodynamic theory and practice gives additional translations of individual dynamics and group dynamic thinking in therapy groups to the practice of everyday life in professional organisational settings.

In the workshop we will start with contracting about the day and after that create 3 experiential sessions in which the exploration of group dynamics will take place. From that experience, we will inventarise the members’ experiences and we will relate them to relevant theoretical frameworks given by Eric Berne, Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott and others. At the end of the workshop we will focus on the transfer of the learning to the world of the participants.

What is the relevance?

The workshop is relevant for all professionals working in groups and/or working with groups. It will support the understanding how working on the boundaries of groups in organisations is a general skill in their professional life and a support in taking up personal and professional leadership. This leadership may be in the role of manager, but also in the role as employee or professional worker who has to co-operate with others or consultants, coaches and teachers. The more you can understand the complex mechanisms of group dynamics and your own part in it, the more influence you can take up in your specific roles.

For whom is it of special interest?

For all people who work in small or large organisations who want to develop more influence in their specific roles. And to people who work professionally with groups in organisations as manager, coach, consultant or therapist.

What will participants take away?

  • Insight in the complexity of group dynamics and the function of it in developing a productive task focused working climate.
  • Insight in some of your own patterns in groups and experiences with optional personal behaviour and the effects of it related to the primary task.
  • Knowledge about different group development models and how they relate to each other.
  • Experience in how resistance is executed in groups, how all behaviour is related to the task of the group and how all behaviour is an opportunity to get organisational development on the move.
  • The curiosity to learn and experience more about this important topic.