“Experiential methods with the power of spontaneity and creativity, such as psychodrama, can help the traumatized client develop better relationships with the self, rediscover lost roles and reconnect with humanity’
– Michael Burge OAM
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The 2022 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat is delighted to welcome Michael Burge OAM as our special guest Keynote Presenter at the 2nd annual event in Boon Wurrung Country, Inverloch, Victoria.
Michael has worked with people experiencing PTSD for over 30 years, and is one of Australia’s pioneers of creative and experiential methods in trauma therapy.
Welcome Michael!
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“Traumatic experiences such as war, rape, abuse and loss of significant relationships can leave the individual’s identity and spirit fractured and disowned.
Functional life-giving roles, such as self-appreciator, dignified powerful explorer and fun lover can be difficult or near impossible to find.
Instead, less healthy roles such as fearful victim, defender, self-loather, isolate, abandoned dissociated child and violent actor may predominate.
Experiential methods with the power of spontaneity and creativity, such as psychodrama, can help the traumatized client develop better relationships with the self, rediscover lost roles and reconnect with humanity.
This is predominantly achieved through the creation of safety and containment through the setting up of boundary parameters, and protective systems.”
– Michael Burge OAM
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ABOUT MICHAEL
Michael Burge OAM FAPS, a Psychodramatist and Counselling Psychologist, is Director of the Australian College of Trauma Treatment, former Director Board of Directors of the Australian Psychological Society, and has over 30 years’ experience in psychology, counselling, education and training. He has been working clinically in the area of PTSD for approximately 30 years.
Michael has published both nationally and internationally in the field of PTSD, with a particular focus on psychosocial issues affecting Vietnam veterans and their families. In the early 1990s, Michael introduced PTSD skills based short courses and workshops into Australia and, as guest lecturer, to most Melbourne Universities and has been National and International Keynote Speaker in the area of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Michael is also Faculty Member Global Expert at the Mental Health Academy.
In the 2010 Australia Day Honours, Michael was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to psychology and to the community through the development of training and treatment protocols for trauma. He is former state president of the EMDR association and former chair of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Psychological Society.
We look forward to sharing this special space with you in 2022.
For more information about this event please click here.