The Relationship as Protagonist

[Ann Hale]

Walter, I have a chapter in my book Conducting Clinical Sociometric Explorations called Encountering Moreno-style.
There is discussion of the co-protagonist session, as well as more involved group encounters. There are specific elements which show up as the work progresses, not in the same order always, but present nevertheless. The training for directors of these sessions is also covered.  One point is made that "equity of warmup" is more important than equal time.

Donna Little has developed a process with Nonie Lyon which they call Dynamic Group Thereapy Model where the director maintains a position equally connected and detached which they call "presence".  I like this terminology rather than uninvolved.  It allows both persons to feel connected to the facilitator and yet able to rely on the detachment so they may be more deeply engaged in issues, ventilation and resolution.

Best wishes as you progress. Ann Hale annehale at swva.net 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Walter Logeman 
  To: list at grouptalkweb.org 
  Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2009 5:17 PM
  Subject: The Relationship as Protagonist


  Dear Grouptalk members

  I am developing my thinking & practice of working with the
  relationship between two people in a group, on the stage. I think of
  the "relationship as the protagonist" in such a situation.


  //
  In order to talk cogently about treatment of interpersonal relations
  there must be two patients present, and a third, the therapist, who
  may be able then more genuinely to remain uninvolved, a participant
  observer and an interpreter to both parties…Then there are two
  patients, not one, they can give therapy to each other, each in accord
  with his ability and his needs.
  (Moreno, Psychodrama Vol 3 :55-56)
  //

  Moreno Psychodrama Vol 1. Section on Co-Unconscious  States and the
  "Inter-psyche". in the introduction has more on this.

  I have worked with a relationship in a group, with two people in a dialogue.

  Choosing the protagonist rel was a smooth process. Group members
  invited another to participate in an exploration of an aspect of their
  relationship if the invitation was accepted they were then a possible
  candidate for  a "protagonist relationship".

  Producing the drama of the relationship is more complex....

  Ideas about this?  Experiences?

  Is there literature?


  Walter

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