It will soon be October again representing an opportunity to join the upcoming Sydney Large Group (SLG). Becoming and being a citizen remains as complex a role as ever. It is in this approximation of a society, that all of us can attempt to reflect and find a voice. It will once again represent an opportunity to experientially learn and discover what is in our minds when in a large group.
Attached to this email is the flyer for the SLG. Please read it and pass it on to anyone who might be interested. We are hoping to offer 5 spaces to new graduates or final year students to introduce them to large groups – if you know of any pleas, and get them to email us.
Large group processes will be evoked, like the experience of being in a society, and we hope to encourage the expression of feelings, thoughts and experiences, as felt by the individuals in the group. It’s not a therapy group, however, the experience does have an impact on its members. You will hopefully feel all sorts of things and will get to watch yourself deal with your responses, thereby expanding your repertoire for dealing with life in an organisation, a community or, indeed, a nation.
The SLG begins on: Friday 18 October 2024 at 5pm AEST and runs over the weekend and 5 x 90 minute sessions until Sunday 20 October at 8.30pm
18 October – 5pm Sydney; 7 am London – 1 x 90 minute session
19 October – 5pm Sydney; 7 am London – 2 x 90 minute sessions with 30 minute break in between.
19 October 7pm Sydney; 9 am London
20 October – 5pm Sydney; 7 am London – 2 x 90 minute sessions with 30 minute break in between
20 October 7pm Sydney; 9 am London
Attendance at all 5 sessions over the weekend is strongly encouraged to get a taste of the whole process.
The Large Group is supported by a small working group including Tim Johnson-Newell, Vera Auerbach and Angela Shaw and conducted by Teresa von Sommaruga Howard. She is an architect, systemic family therapist and group analyst with expertise conducting median and large groups. Teresa works in many settings around the world.
All are welcome, whether new comers or those who have been before. The participants involved so far spread from East of the Date Line to its West, from the US through to New Zealand.
(If you would like to note down our April 2025 group dates in your diary – it will be from the 4th to 6th April 2025)
Zoom link instructions will be sent to registrants a day or so before the meeting. CPD certificates will be sent out soon after each meeting. Fees: $150 or $40 if unwaged or student
Payment from an economy with an exchange rate equivalent to Australia’s is clear but, if your exchange rate might preclude you from joining us, please don’t be put off but assume you will still be welcomed. Just email sydneylargegroup@gmail.com or ring or text +61 412027299 (Vera Auerbach is fielding calls this year). Please use the same contact details for any other questions, however email might be more efficient.
The URL for accessing the payment portal is on the flyer but here it is as well: https://www.trybooking.com/CUGVE
Looking forward to seeing you in October. A warmest welcome to you all.
Sydney Large Group Organizing Committee
Tim Johnson-Newell,
Teresa von Sommaruga Howard,
Vera Auerbach,
Angela Shaw
Chris Fairall
Saturday 2 March 2024
at
Redlands Indigiscapes Centre
With Dr Daniel Anderson
Dr Daniel Anderson is a consultant psychiatrist, group analyst, and psychodynamic psychotherapist working in the NHS at The Christie cancer hospital in Manchester, England, and in private practice. He is the lead for postgraduate supervision and coaching to doctors training in oncology and is an honorary associate professor of psychotherapy at the University of Central Lancashire. Dan completed his PhD at the University of Manchester’s Institute of Education and consequently authored the book The Body of the Group: Sexuality and Gender in Group Analysis. He is the module leader for sexuality and gender at the Institute of Group Analysis, London, and is a fellow of The Royal Society of Arts
Please note that places are limited Cost $200.00
Contact:Peter Hengstberger: phengstberger@me.com Pia Hirsch: piahirsch@icloud.com
Large Group 19, 20 and 21 April 2024 (online)
Large Group 18, 19 and 20 October 2024 (online)
Brisbane conference 02 & 03 March 2024 (in person)
Sydney conference 17 & 18 August 2024 (in person, will be joining the ACPP conference on the 17 August)
Melbourne conference 16 &17 November 2024
Navigate to members of the confederation’s upcoming events here