Overview: In a supportive group of psychologically-minded women, we use psychodramatic role-play and related experiential methods to facilitate recovery and

deep healing from anxiety, depression, PTSD, addictions, eating disorders, low self-esteem and other issues that affect women. The group is intended for women navigating difficult life transitions, overcoming the effects of trauma

and childhood psychological injury, and/or needing support during these challenging times. The group

is limited to a maximum of 12 members to foster a sense of cohesion, connection and camaraderie. 

Why Psychodrama? 

Psychodrama can help a person achieve insight into a problem, work through feelings and emotions, complete unfinished actions and learn new and more satisfying ways of behaving.  

Psychodrama is a method of group psychotherapy developed by Jacob L. Moreno (1889-1974) and Zerka T. Moreno (1917-2016) and their followers. Because psychodrama brings the whole person ─ body, mind, emotions and spirit ─ into action at once, it can be more powerful than traditional talk therapy alone. 

J.L. Moreno said “the body remembers what the mind forgets.” By bringing the body into therapeutic work ─ through movement, gesture, sound and action ─ we can get in touch with memories and experiences that might not be accessible to our conscious mind. Bringing up this information can be helpful in emotional healing by giving us access to memories we need to work through, as well to strengths and resources we may have lost touch with. 

Psychodrama Plus: In addition to the powerful modality of psychodrama, we will skillfully integrate mindfulness, gentle movement, yoga breathing, art and music. We will offer psychoeducation to provide a common language and cognitive frameworks that explain the action insights acquired during the experiential activities. These additions bolster the psychodramatic work, enabling us to face life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence, to be able to take wise, courageous action for the highest good for ourselves and others.

Participate at Your Comfort Level: Some may wish to be the protagonist in a psychodrama; others might like to participate in group experiential activities, mindfulness and gentle movement, art or music activities; and others may choose to observe and participate in a quieter, more introverted way. 

Sylvia Israel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist/Trainer and Board-certified psychodrama trainer. Sylvia teaches at CA Institute of Integral Studies and Kansas State University. Sylvia is Director/Trainer of Bay Area Moreno Institute and founder of Bay Area Playback Theatre. She is also a trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM), an adaptation of classical psychodrama designed to meet the needs for safety and containment among those with trauma backgrounds. Sylvia is a Director and Officer with the America Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry & Group Psychotherapy. 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.