Psychodrama is known for its efficacy in facilitating a full and powerful expression of thoughts and strong emotions. However, thoughts and emotions can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if we, or our clients, have a history of trauma. When this happens, the nervous system gets activated and the thinking brain goes offline. Trauma survivors can easily move out of the optimal zone of arousal or Window of Tolerance into a state where deep, lasting changes are not possible to achieve. Psychodrama can provide skills for regulating emotional arousal, identifying and tolerating strong emotions, realizing improved ways of relating and creating new narratives.

This workshop/training draws on concepts from psychodrama theory, the Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM), Somatic Attachment Therapy, mindfulness and Buddhist psychology, as well as the theory of neuro-plasticity to teach the importance of safety, self-regulation and reparenting for trauma recovery. Integrating psychodrama with music and movement, art and other expressive approaches we call upon the wisdom of the body and develop and practice new desired roles that foster healing and post-traumatic growth. Some highlights of the workshop/training include doubling developed for trauma survivors as well as the parent-child dialogue, which is a powerful approach to reparenting that can be used with clients. Join us for a stimulating and powerful weekend.

What is Psychodrama? Psychodrama is an experiential method of exploring our private and public worlds in a multidimensional, creative way. It helps you to safely express feelings, develop insights and practice new, desired behaviors. Psychodrama meets you where you are in the present and assists you in contacting and developing the best that is within yourself. As a natural outgrowth, people experience a deeper connection and appreciation of others. Psychodrama emphasizes creativity and spontaneity rather than illness and pathology.

Who should attend? This workshop/training is appropriate for those new to psychodrama, as well as experienced practitioners; professionals and students in mental health and related fields; criminal and civil lawyers; and those wanting to further their knowledge or experience of psychodrama. No acting skills are needed and participation is at your level of comfort. Shy people are welcome.

Educational Goal

Participants will learn various techniques to help themselves and their clients in trauma recovery stay in the Window of Tolerance. 

Learning Objectives

After the workshop/training participants will be better able to:

• Explain the rationale for using psychodrama and other experiential methods to work safely with trauma survivors.
• Describe the Window of Tolerance.
• Discuss the importance of helping clients stay in the Window of Tolerance, drawing from trauma and brain research.
• Apply at least one experiential technique to help trauma survivors stay in the Window of Tolerance. 
• Describe the steps in facilitating an inner child psychodramatic dialogue.
• Explain how doubling can be used for expansion and containment.
• Discuss the need for safety, resourcing and containment with individuals with trauma histories.
• Discuss when you would use the Containing Double/Body Double (CD/BD).
• Apply the Containing Double/Body Double (CD/BD) in your work with individuals, couples or groups.
• Utilize the Containing Double/Body Double (CD/BD) for oneself in the context of personal and professional relationships.

DATES & HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, February 4-5, 2023; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm

WHERE: Mill Valley, CA

FEE: $400 by 1/20/23; $435 after.

FEE if you register for both workshops - Caring for Strong Emotions and Integrating Psychodrama in Individual Therapy: $730 by 1/20/23 ($365 per workshop x 2). $800 after ($400 per workshop x 2).

Student (with full-time ID) FEE: $300 by 1/20/23; $335 after.

Student FEE if you register for both workshops - Caring for Strong Emotions and Integrating Psychodrama in Individual Therapy: $570 by 1/20/23 ($285 per workshop x 2). $620 after ($310 per workshop x 2). 

• Full refund up to two weeks prior to first day of workshop. 50% one week prior to first day. No refund thereafter.
• Payment plans available.

INFORMATION: sylvia@imaginecenter.net 415.454.7308

TO REGISTER: For ONLY Caring for Strong Emotions - Complete the 3 forms attached below and submit to sylvia@imaginecenter.net along with payment. See the Registration Form for complete details at the bottom of this page (Option 1). 

TO REGISTER: For BOTH Caring for Strong Emotions AND Integrating Psychodrama in Individual Therapy:  Complete the 3 forms attached below and submit to sylvia@imaginecenter.net along with payment. See the Registration Form for complete details at the bottom of this page (Option 2). 

INFORMATION ON CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs: Course meets the qualifications for 14 continuing education hours for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Sylvia Israel, Provider # 019617, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEP. Sylvia Israel maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Additional fee: $25 per workshop. Certificates of Attendance: Will be distributed upon completion. 

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

CEs for Licensed Psychologists and Registered Nurses:

• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

• SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.

•For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact Sylvia Israel sylvia@imaginecenter.net. Additional Fee: $100 per workshop. Certificates of Attendance: Will be distributed upon completion. 

•For questions about above CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com

Drama Therapy and Psychodrama Training Hours: 14 hours may also be applied for Drama Therapy (recognized by NADTA) & Psychodrama (Recognized by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy). Psychodrama Certificate of Attendance awarded to all participants. (No Fee)

COVID POLICY

All attendees must have a negative COVID test (home or PCR) within 48 hours of arriving at the workshop. Should you test positive or be experiencing Covid symptoms, please stay home and rest. You will receive a full refund.