Programme Format
Keynote Address.
The Symposium will begin with an opening lecture addressing the historical and literary aspects of the symposium title and theme.
Plenary Lectures.
Every morning the invited speakers will present plenary lectures (40 mins) which will be responded to from a group-analytic perspective (30 mins) and this will be followed by a chaired discussion (20 mins).
Sub-Plenary Lectures.
This is a traditional lecture format with 30 minutes for the speaker followed by 15 minutes question and discussion time. There will be two sub-plenary lectures in each 90 minute session.
Panel and Paper Presentations.
Panel and Paper presentations will follow the traditional format of introduction by the chairperson, 20 minutes presentation followed by 10 minutes discussion per paper. Three papers will be presented followed by closing remarks.
Extended Discussion Panel.
This panel has been introduced to enhance the possibility of dialogue and exchange in cases where there are several papers on the same theme. There will generally be three presenters per session. Presenters will have a shorter initial presentation time of 10-15 minutes and will actively participate in a discussion initiated by the Chairperson. The discussion will initially be between panellists and then opened to all those attending. The Chairperson will either use a ‘fish bowl’ format where panellists are seated in an inner circle and attenders in an outer circle, or a median group discussion format.
Workshops.
Workshops will be of 90 minutes duration and participants should note whether the workshop is a 1 session only workshop or an on-going workshop where participants will be expected to attend both sessions. Presenters may use a variety of methodologies including introductory remarks or brief didactic input but all will involve experiential learning. In addition to the traditional workshops this Symposium will offer a range of creative applications of group involving reference to art, poetry, literature and dance. Many workshops have a limited number of places so if you have a special interest you are encouraged to book your place by emailing therese@conferencepartners.ie .
Alternative Presentations
Open Art Studio Experience- Carol Lark
A drop- in Open Art Studio will be provided on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7am – 8 am. The purpose is to provide a space and opportunity for decompression and raw expression. As a component of the on-going work of the Symposium the Open Art Studio can serve as a sort of ‘graffiti wall’ that holds affect and the forbidden or suppressed and can complement verbal dialogue in the experiential groups. The work will be supported by the art therapist-consultant but will not be analysed thus offering the studio experience as a bridge between inner and outer, the intrapsychic and the interpersonal.
A selection of simple art materials will be supplied, including paint, drawing media, mural paper and simple collage. Participants need not be artists to participate.
