It looks like magic -- but you can learn it!

The Bay Area Moreno Institute is offering its 2020-2021 Psychodrama Training Group. This group provides in-depth training for people seeking to expand their knowledge of the theory and practice of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy.

The training group is a supportive, stimulating community of learners and a laboratory in which to develop spontaneity as a director, auxiliary, protagonist and group member. Trainees will have input into specific areas of study and numerous opportunities for directing.

Through this monthly training program you will: 

• Experience the interplay of creativity and spontaneity and learn how to bring these concepts to life with individuals, couples and groups

• Learn how to judiciously and safely use improvisation, role play and other action-oriented techniques to support behavior change, healing and wellness

• Experience activities that support healthy connections in groups

• Receive peer encouragement and coaching in applying psychodrama methods to your work

• Experience inspiration, compassion and support from a group of diverse and dedicated professionals 

Training is open to professionals and students in the fields of mental health, law, substance abuse and recovery, creative arts therapies, religion, human services, personnel management, group facilitation and education, as well as those wanting to further their knowledge of psychodrama.  

When: One Sunday per month for 9 months

Dates: October 25, November 15, December 6,

January 24, February 21, March 14,

April 25, May 16 and June 13.

A commitment to all 9 sessions is required. 

Time: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm 

Where: Online via Zoom. 

Investment: $175 per training day. Limited partial scholarships available. Please inquire. 

Payment can be made: (a) in three installments of $525 each (Oct-Dec, Jan-March & Apr-June) or (b) monthly, on or before the day of the training. 

Payment is expected for all 9 sessions and can be made by check, Venmo or Zelle. 

Payment for one month is required at registration. 

Refund policy: Full refund two weeks prior to first meeting. 50% refund thereafter. No refund three days prior to the first meeting of the group (after October 22, 2020). 

Information/To Register: Contact: Sylvia Israel (415) 454-7308 or sylvia@imaginecenter.net
Space is limited, so please register early.

New students are required to have an interview with Sylvia. 

Continuing Education Information

Educational Goal 

Students will learn the philosophy, history and methodology or Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy as created by JL and Zerka Moreno.  

Learning Objectives

After the training group sessions participants will be able to: 

- List the three parts of every psychodrama
- Identify the five elements of psychodrama

- Use the technique of doubling in your work

- Discuss the difference between a supportive and containing double

- Demonstrate the use of role reversal to access strengths  

- List three reasons to role reverse
- Explain why spontaneity and creativity are important in psychodrama

- Discuss two key philosophical underpinnings of psychodrama

- Demonstrate at least one body-based somatic method to integrate into your work

- Explain why all of psychodrama has been referred to as "spontaneity training" 

- Describe how sociometric exercises create cohesion and safety in a group 

- Apply sociometric methods to your work

- Create a warm-up 

- Discuss the importance of sharing

- Demonstrate directing an action vignette

Continuing Education for licensed professionals (additional fees apply): Course meets the qualification for 63 psychodrama training hours (7 hours per training day) for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LEP as required by the CA Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Sylvia Israel provider #129230. Certificates will be distributed upon completion (of 9 group meetings). 

See http://www.bayareamorenoinstitute.com/ceu-provider/ for information about Accommodations and Grievances.

CEUs for Psychologists and Nurses may be available. Please inquire.

63 psychodrama training hours may be applied toward Psychodrama Certification (recognized by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy). Hours may also be applied for Drama Therapy (recognized by the North American Drama Therapy Association).

Sylvia Israel, MFT (mfc #31245), TEP, RDT/BCT, Board Certified Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama and Registered Drama Therapist/Board Certified Trainer, is adjunct faculty at CA Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and Kansas State University. Sylvia is cofounder of Bay Area Moreno Institute, IMAGINE! Center for Creativity & Healing and Bay Area Playback Theatre.  She is also a Certified Trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model of working with trauma and a national and international presenter. Sylvia enjoys supporting clients in awakening to their spontaneity and creativity and living more fully in the present moment. Her work blends verbal and somatic therapy with drama, sandtray and other expressive arts. Sylvia maintains a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area working with individuals, couples, families and groups.