Working Skillfully with Anger and Conflict: Finding Peace and Connection 

There are many books written about anger, both in the field of psychology and spirituality. However, humans have difficulty knowing what do to with it. Anger is an emotion that can overwhelm our nervous system, turning to rage and violence and finding release in ways that may hurt ourselves or others. Anger may be denied and suppressed or turned inward, causing depression or physical ailments or lead to self-medication. Yet anger is a primary and powerful emotion which we all experience. It can show us what we are passionate about and value, and lead us to take action. When we can express our anger skillfully, it can connect us deeply to ourselves and others. An exploration of anger may lead us to identify deeper feelings that are out of our awareness, such as sadness and fear related to past events. 

In this workshop, we will explore our attitudes, beliefs and feelings about our anger and that of others. We will learn ways to calm our nervous system and release anger from our bodies. We will practice Moreno’s Encounter and the Imago Couple’s Dialogue, useful structures to express ourselves with assertiveness, rather than aggression or passivity. We will work to develop discernment as to when anger is guiding us towards an adaptive behavior and when we need to manage it to stay in our window of tolerance, where we can think and feel at the same time. 

Join us as we use sociometry, psychodrama, somatic therapy and spiritual teachings to discover how anger can be a gateway to resilient, skillful actions, leading to more peace and connection.

Educational Goal

Participants will learn how to work skillfully with anger and conflict in their own lives and with their clients. 

Learning Objectives

After the workshop, participants will be better able to: 

• Discuss how anger can be a gateway to exploring feelings that fuel anger
• Explain at least one way anger affects the brain and nervous system 
• Demonstrate two ways to calm the nervous system when anger arises
• Use at least one sociometric exercise to create cohesion and safety in a group 
• Describe the Morenian Encounter
• Discuss the Imago Dialogue
• Explain the Window of Tolerance 
• Describe dysfunctional versus functional expressions of anger
• Identify at least three dysfunctional or indirect ways that anger can express itself 
• Discuss how anger expressed functionally can lead to connection and authenticity 

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 is appropriate for those new to psychodrama, as well as experienced practitioners; anyone wanting to further their knowledge of psychodrama; and those seeking personal growth. No acting skills are needed and participation is at your level of comfort. Shy people are welcome.

Dates & Hours: Saturday and Sunday, January 27-28, 2024; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm PDT

Where: 55 La Goma, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Fee: $425 by 1/13/24. $450 after. 

Students (with full-time ID) Fee: $325 by 1/13/24. $350 after. 

Refunds: Full refund up to 1/13/24. 50% refund up to 1/21/24. No refund thereafter. 

Payment plans available. Please inquire.  

INFORMATION: sylvia@imaginecenter.net 415-454-7308

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Laney Robbins laneyrobbins@gmail.com (602) 502-5475

TO REGISTER:  Complete the 3 forms attached on the bottom of this page and return to laneyrobbins@gmail.com and sylvia@imaginecenter.net. See the Registration Form for complete registration details and payment information.

INFORMATION ON CONTINUING EDUCATION: 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 

Additional fee if registering for 4 workshops: $40 ($10 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: Contact Sylvia 8-weeks before the first day of the workshop. Additional Fee: $100 per workshop. 

Drama Therapy and Psychodrama Training Hours: 14.5 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: Will be awarded to all participants upon completion. (No Fee)

HEALTH POLICY: Participants’ health is important. Respectfully, we also acknowledge that each individual is entirely responsible for their health & safety. If you are experiencing any (Covid, flu, cold) symptoms of illness prior to the weekend, please contact Sylvia. You will be fully refunded minus a $50 administrative fee.