Workshop 3, Sydney 2026: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (2 days)

The mirror in the tale of Snow White can only speak the truth. The story hinges on the Queen’s question to the mirror and her fury in response to what she hears. It is the question itself that sets up all that follows for Snow White, and it is a question that is relevant to every human self because all human beings seek mirroring in some form or another. Do we, like the Queen, simply want to be affirmed or do we want to know something new or real about ourselves? What do we want to be mirrored for? How do we go about getting the mirroring we want? What do we do when get unwanted mirroring?

According to Moreno, mirroring is a psychodrama production technique and a stage of human development central to the growth of the self. In human development, the stage of the mirror begins when the child recognises themselves as ‘me’ and ‘I’. The crucial realisation is that the sense of self is now separate. This is a dramatic shift from the previous experience of shared identity with the mother figure in what Moreno termed ‘the matrix of identity’. The child’s self is embryonic, hence it is open and accepting of whatever mirroring is given.

Many experiences contribute to the role structures that support the self. Moreno indicated that the process of learning about the self is almost always emotional. The technique of mirroring in a psychodrama has a powerful therapeutic impact because it recapitulates the early relational structures and emotional learning processes, specifically the integration of the self. Being presented with other perspectives through mirroring can be experienced as awakening or challenging, because the self tends to hold onto its preferred image of ‘who I am’. Just as it was for the Queen in the tale of Snow White.

In this workshop, we will explore the significance of the stage of the mirror and the technique of mirroring, how mirroring can be used effectively in psychodramatic production and the range of responses that might arise.

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For further information  rollobrowne1952@gmail.com   mobile 0417682085  or Bona Anna 

This program is the third workshop of the Sydney Psychodrama Personal and Professional Development Series 2026.  Participants will experience and develop their understanding of the Psychodramatic Method and its application.

Trainers in this program are qualified psychodrama trainers, educators and practitioners with Australian Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA).              

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Sydney Campus Policy on Refunds and Credit                                                           

All refund and credit decisions are at the discretion of the trainers. While we will always consider extenuating circumstances, in general the campus policy is:

• Cancellation up to 4 weeks out from an event – Full refund, minus a $40 administration fee or credit
• Cancellation within 4 weeks of an event – No refund but a credit towards a future event
• Cancellation within 7 days of an event or non-attendance – A credit towards a future event for illness only

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The Psychodramatic Method

The method assists participants to increase their spontaneity and creativity through active participation. This participation includes group work, enactment and mini lectures. The program will assist in developing leadership and will lead to increasing abilities in relating to others. The training assists is developing confidence in group presentations and in the development of interpersonal and group skills.  

This program is designed for professional people who are involved in health, theatre, management, consultancies, coaching, mentoring , supervision, art, writing, teaching, human potential and creative therapies. The process will assist in the deepening of abilities to step into the shoes of others and this will contribute to the effectiveness of those who are therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, health workers, managers, trainers and educators, actors, artists, writers and poets. Supervised practice for advanced psychodrama trainees is also an aspect of this program.

The course will consist of enactment, group participation and discussion. Participants are expected to be actively involved, on both days. The learning of new skills may be emotionally challenging.

A certificate of attendance will be given on request and may be used for points towards required professional development and psychodrama certification. The training hours are recognised by Psychodrama Australia and can contrbute to certification as a psychodramatist, sociodramatist, role trainer or sociometrist.