Bay Area Moreno Institute

 

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

 

Sylvia@imaginecenter.net

 

Phone: (415) 454 7308

Join our Facebook page

 

Past Workshops

    

Psychodrama for Personal &

Professional Development

in Laurel, Maryland

 

Cathy Nugent, LCPC, TEP and

Guest Expert Co-Trainer,

Sylvia Israel, LMFT,

RDT/BC, TEP

 

The intention behind adding these two days to the 2023-2024 LPTI schedule is to offer opportunities for students of LPTI to:

  • Network and socialize with psychodrama colleagues
  • Participate in psychodrama (warm-up, action, sharing)—two sessions per day, with processing.
  • Experience psychodrama with two expert trainers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills, including drama therapy, TSM, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and classical psychodrama.
  • Have a space to do personal work using the powerful vehicle of psychodrama.

 

Priority registration goes to members of the 2023-2024 LPTI Learning Community or Bay Area Moreno Training Institute. LPTI and BAMI students receive priority up until May 15. After that date, registration is open to the wider audience of psychodrama students and other interested professionals.

 

Group is limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 8.

 

Date/Time: Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21 – 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Sign up for one or both days. 

 

Continuing Education Information**: 7.0 psychodrama trainer hours; NBCC, and Maryland Board of Social Examiners each day.

 

Special Rate for this Special Offering: $350 for both days; $195 if attending one day. Priority registration for participants registering for both days.

            Zelle: 410-746-7251

            Pay Pal: paypal.me/cathylpti

            Check to: Cathy Nugent, 6636 Park Hall Drive, Laurel, MD 20707

 

Register at this link: https://forms.gle/4X3CAxzjoxAqLfWc6

 

Meet the Trainers:

Sylvia Israel, TEP, LMFT, RDT/BCT is a certified Trainer, Educator and Practitioner in Psychodrama, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Registered Drama Therapist/Board Certified Trainer. Sylvia is cofounder of Bay Area Moreno Institute, IMAGINE! Center for Creativity & Healing, and Bay Area Playback Theatre. In addition, she is Adjunct Faculty at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and Kansas State University. 

 

Sylvia is past-President of the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Drama Therapy (NADT), past Board Member and Officer of the American Board of Examiners of Psychodrama, and Fellow of the American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP). She is a Certified Trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model of working with Trauma Survivors and is a national and international trainer and presenter.

 

Sylvia has maintained a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area working with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over 30 years. She has also used psychodrama to help civil and criminal lawyers with trial preparation. Her work blends verbal and somatic therapy with drama, sandtray, and other expressive arts. Sylvia enjoys supporting clients in practicing self-compassion, awakening to their spontaneity and creativity, and living more fully in the present moment. 

Catherine D. Nugent, a licensed clinical professional counselor and Board-certified psychodrama trainer, is the founder and Executive Director/Principal Trainer with Laurel Psychodrama Training Institute in Laurel, Maryland. 

Cathy is Immediate Past President of the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry & Group Psychotherapy, a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), former Executive Editor of the Journal of Group Psychotherapy & Psychodrama, and past President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ASGPP.

 

Cathy taught at Johns Hopkins University from 2013 to 2019, where she designed experiential courses on psychodrama, trauma recovery, and self-care and self-compassion for counselors. She is an Approved Clinical Supervisor for Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors working toward full licensure.

 

To her role as Executive Director/Principal Trainer with LPTI, Cathy brings not only her 30+ years of experience as a psychodramatist, but also training in sensorimotor psychotherapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, hatha yoga, and diverse spiritual traditions. LPTI trainings integrate various approaches with recovery-oriented, trauma-informed classical psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. life-long learner, Cathy continually upgrades her knowledge and skill sets with new trainings and certifications. In 2023, she completed a 10-month Fellowship with the Institute for Psychiatry Integration, receiving the credential, Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Practitioner.

 

In recognition of her long career in psychodrama, Cathy was honored to receive the ASGPP’s 2019 J.L. Moreno Award for Lifetime Achievement in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy.

 

Questions: Email Cathy at: cathynugent@verizon.net

 

May 18-19, 2024 

 

Connecting with our Ancestral Roots: Transgenerational Psychodrama
 
A Two-Day In-Person Workshop/Training

In this workshop, we honor our ancestors and the gifts they have given us. We also acknowledge any burdens or unresolved traumas passed down as part of our lineage. We bring to awareness the interpersonal and transgenerational dynamics such as hidden loyalties, family ledgers, unconscious repetitions, and family stories and myths. We include messages from the land/country our lineage came from and the land where we live. Our purpose is to connect to a greater view of ourselves and grow in positive ways, healing in body, mind and spirit. 

 

The workshop is highly experiential and will draw from role-play, sociometry, sculpting, playback theater and full psychodramas as well as theories of Family Constellations and Recall Healing. Participants will come away with ideas and techniques to apply in their practice settings or in their own lives.   

 

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.

Educational Goal

Develop tools to help ourselves and our clients explore ancestral relationships for support, connection and healing.

 

Learning Objectives

After the workshop participants will be better able to:

  • Discuss the importance of bringing awareness to ancestors’ stories and myths 
  • Discuss how ancestral trauma can affect ourselves and our clients in the present
  • Describe how to interview a client in the role of an ancestor
  • Describe how to direct a client to speak with an ancestor
  • Discuss different theoretical perspectives on ancestral healing 
  • Describe how the use of ritual can support ancestral explorations
  • Discuss how psychodrama can help people heal from ancestral trauma
  • Identify at least one example of ancestral trauma and how it might manifest in future generations
  • Describe how to help clients identify positive messages from their lineage
  • Describe how to help clients create a transformational versus a victimization narrative

 

Dates & Hours: Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2023; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm PDT 

 

Where: 55 La Goma, Mill Valley, CA 94941

 

Fee: $425 by 5/4/24. $450 after. 

 

Students (with full-time ID) Fee: $325 by 5/4/23. $350 after. 

 

Refunds: Full refund up to 5/4/24. 50% refund up to 5/11/24. 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.netSee 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.

 

Sylvia Israel 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 and is a past Board Member and Officer of the American Board of Examiners of Psychodrama. She is also a Certified Trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model of working with trauma, and a national and international presenter and trainer. Sylvia also uses psychodrama to help civil and criminal lawyers with trial preparation. She enjoys supporting clients in practicing self-compassion, 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 has maintained a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area working with individuals, couples, families and groups for 30 years.

 

March 16-17, 2024
Transforming the Trauma Triangle: Working Safely with Trauma Survivors
A Two-Day In-Person Workshop/Training
 

The Therapeutic Spiral Model's (TSM) Trauma Triangle is a configuration that clarifies the destructive cycle of Victim, Perpetrator and Abandoning Authority. In addictions treatment, Karpman's Triangle is well-known with the interpersonal roles of Victim, Perpetrator and Rescuer. Through years of clinical experience, we've redefined this triangle to represent the internalized experience of the trauma survivor.


Using role theory, TSM's Trauma Triangle incorporates the trauma-based roles of Victim, Perpetrator and Abandoning Authority, the last of which is internalized when there is no rescuer available in the interpersonal world. The unique TSM role of the Abandoning Authority helps describe how trauma survivors learn to abandon themselves to dissociation, self-harm, addictions, eating disorders and lack of self-care.


The Trauma Triangle represents a closed circuit of energy embedded in the personality structure of those who have survived cruelty or trauma, repeating itself as life-long patterns of abuse and neglect. Through personal dramas, this workshop and training provides tools to transform the trauma-based roles, empowering transformation from self-neglect to self-care and instilling healthy problem-solving into daily life. The transformative role of Appropriate Authority is taught as the antidote to the TSM Trauma Triangle using action demonstrations and psychodramas.


Assessment and enactment of the TSM Trauma Triangle is taught as a pen and paper tool, in action by walking the triangle, using sociodrama or individual psychodramas. 

 

Educational Goal

Learn the Therapeutic Spiral Model's Trauma Triangle and how it can help trauma survivors understand their experience and utilize it for healing and post-traumatic growth.

 

Learning Objectives

After the workshop, participants will be better able to: 

  • Describe how sociometric exercises create cohesion and safety in a group 
  • Demonstrate how to bring the role of Observing Ego into a session
  • Describe the importance of the role of Observing Ego
  • List the three types of TSM's Prescriptive roles 
  • Discuss why the Prescriptive roles are important for transforming the trauma-based roles safely without re-traumatization
  • Demonstrate how to help a client role play a Prescriptive role
  • List the roles on the Trauma Triangle
  • Explain how the roles on the Trauma Triangle are intra-psychic, though they originated interpersonally
  • Discuss how the Trauma Triangle is a useful tool for working with trauma survivors
  • Predict actions the Appropriate Authority might take

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, March 16-17, 2024; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm PDT

Where: 55 La Goma, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Fee: $425 by 3/2/24. $450 after. 

Students (with full-time ID) Fee: $325 by 3/2/24. $350 after. 

Refunds: Full refund up to 3/2/24. 50% refund up to 3/9/24. 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: To register for any workshop(s), please fill out the Registration Form. If you have any questions regarding the form, contact Laney.

 

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.

 

 

 

January 27-28, 2024

Working Skillfully with Anger and Conflict: Finding Peace and Connection 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Two-Day In-Person Workshop/Training

 

Anger is crushed creativity. - JL Moreno

 

I don’t think there is such a thing as bad emotion. The only bad emotion is a stuck emotion. 

- Rachel Naomi Remen

 

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: To register for any workshop(s), please fill out the Registration Form. If you have any questions regarding the form, contact Laney.

 

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.

 

 

December 9-10, 2023

Spontaneity and Creativity: Change and Expansion Through Psychodrama

 

A Two-Day In-Person Workshop/Training

 

The universe is infinite creativity. Spontaneity is the constant companion of creativity. -JL Moreno

Life itself is change, as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus observed over 2500 years ago, each moment is different than every other. -James O. Prochaska

In our lives, there are many ways in which we are happy with how things are, roles we are satisfied with, behaviors and ways of thinking we enjoy. Yet, there are times we desire change. It could be for a new job, a new role, a creative endeavor we wish to undertake. How do we make the change? What is the creative process? How do we create something new? 

 

In this workshop we delve into one of the core philosophical underpinnings of Psychodrama, the Canon of Creativity. The Canon is a roadmap for change. It graphically explains the relationship among warm-up, spontaneity, creativity and cultural conserves. The Canon shows us the steps to move from things as they are to something new - new cultural conserves. 

 

The Canon integrates the spiritual component of Psychodrama. It also provides a practical map that guides directors through every enactment. Exploring the Canon gives us a fuller understanding of what it means to warm up to change and expand our roles. We also learn Prochaska’s Six Stage Program for Change model, put it into action, and see its relationship to the Canon. 

  

Join a group of enthusiastic, supportive co-creators, as we connect to our spontaneity and creativity for growth and change. 

 

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; those 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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Professional Educational Goal

Participants will learn tools to identify and work through blocks to opening the heart and finding compassion, empathy, wisdom and peace. 

 

Professional Learning Objectives

After the workshop participants will be better able to:

- Discuss what Moreno meant by the Godhead

- List four components of the Canon of Creativity 

- Explain the importance of spontaneity and creativity in each psychodrama

- Apply your understanding of the Canon of Creativity to a drama 

- Give examples of warm-ups that enhance spontaneity 

- Describe the Robotic Cycle in the expanded Canon of Creativity

- Discuss the importance of warm-up in relation to spontaneity

- Define cultural conserve 

- List the steps in Prochaska’s Six Stage Program for Change model

- Discuss how the Canon of Creativity is a roadmap for change 

- Describe one way to incorporate psychodramatic roleplay into psycho-education on the Prochaska’s Six Stage Program for Change model 

 

Dates & Hours: Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 2023; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm PDT

 

Where: 55 La Goma, Mill Valley, CA 94941

 

DISCOUNTED FEE WHEN REGISTERING FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BY NOVEMBER 25, 2023 

Fee: $1560 ($390 per workshop) when registering for December 2023; January, March and May 2024 workshops – by 11/25/23. See registration form for payment options. 

 

STUDENTS DISCOUNTED FEE WHEN REGISTERING FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BY NOVEMBER 25, 2023 Fee: $1160 ($290 per workshop) when registering for December 2023; January, March and May 2024 workshops – by 11/25/23See registration form for payment options.

 

REGISTERING FOR EACH WORKSHOP INDIVIDUALLY

Fee: $425 by 11/25/23. $450 after. 

 

STUDENT (Full-Time IDs) REGISTRERING FOR EACH WORKSHOP INDIVIDUALLY:

Fee: $325 by 11/25/2023. $350 after.

 

REFUND for individual workshop: Full refund up to 11/25/23. 50% refund up to 12/2/23. No refund thereafter. 

REFUND when registering for all four workshops: If you do not complete the four workshops, your refund will be prorated at the full fee per individual workshop. 

Payment plans available. Please inquire.

 

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

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

 

TO REGISTER: To register for any workshop(s), please fill out the Registration Form. If you have any questions regarding the form, contact Laney.

 

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.

 

 

 

 
November 4-5, 2023

Sharing Our Stories: Re-Opening Our Hearts

 

A Two-Day In-Person Workshop for Personal Growth

 and/or Professional Development 

 

At the end of life, all we can ask...Did I love well? - Jack Kornfield

Each of us has experienced the freedom of an open heart: compassion, empathy, wisdom and peace. Although an open heart is our natural state, we often find ourselves with hearts closed, feeling fear, hurt or anger. Stories from our culture, histories and present-day events, may make re-opening the heart seem difficult, even impossible.  

  

In this workshop, we will honor our stories. Through them, we will discover and share the intricacies of what supports and prevents us from opening our hearts. Practicing non-judgment and acceptance of ourselves and others, we find our authenticity, our connectedness to each other and to a universal life force. We draw from psychodrama, expressive arts and spiritual traditions to assist in our exploration and in finding our essence. We aim to find peace and equanimity along the way, thus contributing to creating a more peaceful world and a vision of what is possible.  

 

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Professional Educational Goal

Participants will learn tools to identify and work through blocks to opening the heart and finding compassion, empathy, wisdom and peace. 

 

Professional Learning Objectives

After the workshop participants will be better able to:

  • Describe how psychodrama can be utilized to work through blocks to opening the heart
  • Utilize one tool to open the heart 
  • Discuss how sociometric exercises can help form cohesion and safety 
  • Describe the three parts of every psychodrama
  • List the five elements of psychodrama
  • Discuss one benefit of working experientially 

 

Dates & Hours: Saturday and Sunday, November 4-5, 2023; 9:30 am – 5:45 pm PDT

 

Where: 55 La Goma, Mill Valley, CA 94941

 

Fee: $375 by 10/20/23; $400 after.

Students (with full-time ID): $275 by 10/20/23; $300 after.

 

Full refund up to two weeks prior to the first day. 50% one week prior to the first day of the workshop. No refund thereafter.

Payment plans available.

 

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 per workshop.

Certificates of Attendance: Will be distributed upon completion. 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 
June 10-11 2023
Cultivating Wisdom in Everyday Life

 

A Psychodrama Workshop

for Personal Growth and/or Professional Development

 

Each of us has inner wisdom. Yet, there are times when our wisdom seems distant and out-of-reach. Even when we know better, we find ourselves reacting with repetitive, unskillful patterns. We lose touch with the wise part of ourselves, with our autonomous healing center that truly knows what we need. How do we access our inner wisdom? What skills can we draw upon and develop to bring it forth? What blocks us from our inner knowing? What spiritual and other practices can help?

 

In a supportive group, we will access our deepest knowing and practice applying wisdom to our everyday interactions. We will use psychodrama, expressive arts and guided imagery to accomplish these goals and learn methods to work with ourselves and, if applicable, with others. 

 

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 to those seeking personal growth. No acting skills are needed and participation is at your level of comfort. Shy people are welcome.

 

Learning Objectives

After the workshop participants will be better able to:

  • List three parts of every psychodrama
  • Describe the autonomous healing center 
  • Describe the benefits of role reversing with a wisdom figure
  • Explain the importance of clients staying in their window of tolerance 
  • Utilize mindful body awareness when taking a role
  • Discuss the importance of the warm-up phase of psychodrama

 

 
May 6-7 2023
Integrating Psychodrama in Indivitual Therapy

 

A Two-Day In-Person Workshop/Training

 

Incorporating psychodrama and other experiential methods into individual therapy sessions can enliven and inspire both client and therapist. Participants will learn practical action techniques drawn from psychodrama including role-play, use of the action timeline and methods of choice-making. Attention will be given to warm-up, action and closure of each session. Therapeutic goals will inform the use of each intervention. Participants will practice techniques, taking the role of therapist, client and witness.

 

This training draws on psychodrama theory and methodology, Somatic Attachment Therapy, mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology and the theory of neuroplasticity. All teachings are trauma-informed, emphasizing the importance of clients staying in their window of tolerance. Join us for an engaging and stimulating weekend, while adding to your tool box of psychodramatic interventions. 

 

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.  

 

Learning Objectives

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

  • Apply three psychodramatic methods when working with individual clients
  • Assess how to work safely with individuals, drawing from trauma and brain research
  • Utilize body awareness through mindfulness
  • Demonstrate moving from talking to action, from the therapist chair to action or stage area
  • List two uses of an empty chair in individual therapy
  • Use props, scarves, pillows, etc., in an individual session
  • Discuss the importance of the warm-up phase of psychodrama in working with individuals
  • Drawing from psychodrama and attachment theories, explain why doubling is effective
  • Demonstrate interviewing a client in a supportive role
  • Utilize the timeline as a pencil and paper technique and in action

 

 
February 4-5 2023
Caring for Strong Emotions: Psychodrama Techniques for Self-Regulation and Trauma Repair

 

A 2-Day In-Person Workshop/Training

 

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.

 

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.

 

 
October 8-9 2022
Practicing Self-Compassion with Psychodrama

 

A 2-Day Workshop for Personal Growth & Professional Development

 

Most of us practice compassion for others with some success. Yet, how much do we practice compassion for ourselves? Self-compassion means treating ourselves as we might treat others when they fail, suffer, or feel inadequate. This might seem simple, but it is easier said than done. A growing body of research points to the power and effectiveness of cultivating self-compassion in reducing depression, anxiety and shame and increasing happiness and life satisfaction. Self-compassion has also been linked to better health and immune function, in part due to increased parasympathetic and reduced sympathetic nervous system activation.

 

In this workshop we will combine psychodrama with the teachings of Buddhist teachers Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer to explore the six attributes of self-compassion. Drawing upon Moreno’s role theory, we will put these attributes into action and practice how we might incorporate them into our daily lives. There will be opportunities to take the role of protagonist, auxiliary, group member, and director.

 

What is Psychodrama? Psychodrama is an experiential method of exploring our private and public worlds in a multidimensional, creative way. It helps you 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; to professionals and students in mental health and a variety of other fields; and those wanting to further their knowledge or experience of psychodrama. No acting skills are needed and participation is at your level of comfort.

 

Learning Objectives: 

After the workshop participants will be able to: 

  • Discuss the importance of self-compassion.
  • Apply self-compassion teachings to your own life and your work with others. 
  • Demonstrate how to teach the six attributes of self-compassion movement and sculpting. 
  • Use an experiential structure to explore blocks to self-compassion.
  • Name the three phases of psychodrama. 

 

 
October 2020 - June 2021
Psychodrama Training Group
Meets One Sunday Per Month
Beginning October 25
 

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 LMFT (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 and is a past Board Member and Officer of the American Board of Examiners of Psychodrama. She is also a Certified Trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model of working with trauma, and a national and international presenter and trainer. Sylvia also uses psychodrama to help civil and criminal lawyers with trial preparation. She enjoys supporting clients in practicing self-compassion, 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 has maintained a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area working with individuals, couples, families and groups for 30 years.

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