Improv Enactment Training For Mental Health Professionals

1-day Introductory Training

In addition to their usefulness as tools for clinical assessment and intervention, RfG exercises provide a highly effective way of teaching systemic thinking, expanded use of the therapist’s emotional range, and clinical change via shifts in the presentation of the therapist. In the first half of this experiential workshop, volunteer participants learn playful exercises, also useful as clinical interventions to:

1. Give up over-control for mutuality
2. Promote cooperation by making other persons look good
3. Encourage risk-taking through fantasy and playfulness
4. Heighten awareness of Status (power) transactions
5. Co-create new realities by storymaking

In the second half, participants are taught to:

1. Take personal risks, enhancing both authenticity and capacity to empower change
2. Deal with the unexpected event in the moment
3. Sharpen observational skills regarding nonverbal cues
4. Apply systemic and interactional thinking on the spot
5. Open to therapists at all levels of experience

Instructional Methods

Based on extensive RfG training experience, this will be a highly experiential presentation in which participants learn the techniques primarily by voluntary paired and group exercises, interspersed by sharing, didactic instruction and discussion. Particularly in the first half, the tone is kept energetic and playful. Some roleplays, in which participants are in character as clients, are done as demonstrations in front of the entire group. Clinical and training examples will be described that illustrate application, with practical hints on selecting and devising clinical improvisations. During the second half, a few participants will have the opportunity to present case material for consultation.