Group Relations Australia is a professional association for people interested in group relations and systems psychodynamics
We conduct a stimulating range of activities and events including professional practice meetings, a biennial Group Relations conference, workshops, publication of the Socioanalysis Journal, members’ days, seminars and lectures
Enhancing Group Effectiveness through creating and maintaining a ‘Reflective Space’
T. Martin Ringer
Socio-Analysis 3,2: 2001 (85-108)
GenAi, democracy under threat, pandemic, climate change, fake media and the great resignation. We live in challenging times. For the next three months we are looking at the importance of potential space or reflective space in creating a place where we can think about and make sense of some of the challenges that we are facing in contemporary society. Martin Ringer. ‘Enhancing group effectiveness through creating and maintaining a "reflective space" ‘. (Socio-Analysis, 3 (2), 2001, pages 85-108). Martin Ringer highlights the importance of reflective space in facilitating the effective functioning of groups. The author explores why reflective spaces are important and what is needed to create and maintain them. Issues such as secure containment and effective linking are identified as important to helping to build reflective spaces.
Explore these ideas in greater depth at the Socioanalysis reading group.
About Socioanalysis
Socioanalysis is GRA’s international journal published annually and edited by Susan Long. It is a journal about groups, organisations and society from the systems psychodynamic perspective. This journal addresses the need to provide a vehicle for the publication of papers in the area of socio-analysis. Our policy is to invite papers of an international standard whilst supporting both established and new writers.
Group Relations Conference Director
Call for expressions of interest
Applications close 15 September, 2024.
In a rapidly changing world facing many profound challenges, the GRA Directorate is interested to hear from applicants about innovative ideas in the design and implementation of a conference. These ideas could explore the myriad of challenges in contemporary society, the decline in the popularity of experiential (group relations) conferences and/or how innovative design might address what appears to be a reluctance to learn from experience. Read more.
Upcoming Events & Training
GRA Annual Listening Post
Listening Posts are regular meetings that take a snapshot of society at a particular moment in time. “History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme” (Mark Twain). Exposed to […]
Gabriella Braun seminar: ‘Thinking about all that we are at work’
A seminar by Dr Gabriella Braun drawing on her work as the Director of Working Well, a specialist consultancy firm. In February GRA Will present a seminar by Dr Gabriella […]
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Workshop with Emeritus Professor Susan Long
This two night workshop will help participants to begin to develop their ideas into writing. Friday 5-8pm & Saturday 5-8pm Unlock Your Writing Potential: Two - Night Workshop with Emeritus […]
GRA 2025 Kick-off: Connect & Collaborate
Join us at Group Relations Australia's opening social event to kick-off 2025 with Special Guest, Professor Emeritus and PhD Co-Le Susan Long Join us at Group Relations Australia's opening social […]
What is systems psychodynamics?
Systems psychodynamics originates in the field of psychology and psychiatry. This approach is a more in-depth way to gain a deeper understanding of why certain structures exist with groups and society. Examples include racism, sexism, bullying and corruption, to name a few.
The purpose of GRA is to promote the study of group dynamics and the interactions between conscious and unconscious processes in organisations, groups, and society, and their application in professional practice.
We aim to achieve this understanding through discussions, events such as guest speakers, conferences, training and seminars and the publication of articles in a journal.
Why become a member?
Becoming a member gives you access to the latest research and thinking in the field of systems psychodynamics. You also have the opportunity to build your network with other professionals who practice this approach in the field. As a member, you will receive the monthly newsletter and the annual Group Relations Australia Journal Socioanalysis, in which we encourage members to contribute to. For members, all training and events are discounted with early registration and regular updates. Members can follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Engagement with like-minded group relations / OD professionals working in managerial, consulting, clinical and academic roles
Opportunities for ongoing learning about systems psychodynamics in groups / teams, organisations and society
Priority access to GRA events: biennial conference, professional enhancement activities, coaching / mentoring, social activist projects
Receive current information and research into group socioanalytic and psychodynamic approaches with a subscription to Socioanalysis included with membership
