Session Description
Taking a seat on the therapist's couch, our first participant takes the microphone and says: "Hello, my name is ('Max') and I survived an IA disaster". The audience all reply in chorus: "Hello (Max)"! And so, begins a therapy session with a presenter/audience participant. This session reprises a similar event conducted at IAIA08 in Perth by the session chair (it was a Theme Forum back then). The purpose is for IA practitioners to share personal stories from experience, ostensibly arising from when things have gone wrong (i.e. a moment when we especially learn). Typically, humour ensues along with the wisdom of hindsight. The session chair plays the role of 'therapist' or 'counsellor' with each speaker assuming the role of 'patient'. With or without prompts from the therapist, the patient shares the story of their 'IA disaster'. Through sharing stories (and a good laugh together) based on looking back on actual experience, the audience develop insights and understanding for solutions and good practices to serve them in their own future practice of IA. The session will commence with several pre-arranged presenters, and thereafter the floor will be open for any member of the audience to take a 'seat on the therapist's couch' to share their own story. The session does not fit the standard IAIA session formats. It is being initially suggested in the 'paper session format' to enable anyone to apply to present in advance of the conference (i.e. available/accessible to the entire IAIA community) – however, the session chair would liaise with presenters to ensure the content/format of individual presentations fits with the unique session design and approach.
Session Summary
"Hello, my name is ('Max') and I survived an IA disaster". We learn most when things go wrong. Through sharing personal stories (and laughs) from experience, we derive solutions for future IA practice. Come and sit on the therapist's couch, or simply listen to the stories of others. All welcome!
Additional Information
The stage set-up requires: 1 couch/sofa (for participant/patient), 1 armchair (for therapist), 2 hand-held microphones and Powerpoint projection.
Session Chair
Angus Morrison-Saunders
Edith Cowan University
Australia