Opening the Heart:

A Psychodrama Workshop for Personal Growth

and Professional Development

Sylvia Israel, LMFT, RDT/BCT, TEP

In-Person: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2026

9:30 am - 5:45 pm

Marin County, CA

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

- Jack Kornfield

Each of us has experienced the freedom of an open heart - compassion, empathy, deep wisdom, well-being and peace. Although an open heart is our natural state, we often find ourselves with hearts closed, hurt or contracted in anger. The path back to an open heart may feel difficult, undesirable and even impossible.

In a supportive group, we will access our deepest knowing as we discover what truly supports or prevents us from living with an open heart. Practicing non-judgment and acceptance of ourselves and others, we find our authenticity. We draw from the wisdom of spiritual traditions, the transformative power of psychodrama and the intuitive flow of the expressive arts to assist our exploration. We aim to find peace along the way, as we learn methods to work with ourselves and others, thus contributing to creating a more unified and peaceful world.

Join us for a creative and meaningful experience through the power of psychodrama for personal growth and professional development. 

What is psychodrama? Psychodrama is a creative and experiential approach that uses guided dramatic enactment (role-playing) to explore and gain insight into personal and interpersonal issues. Psychodrama allows participants to enact internal conflicts and external situations in a supportive setting, promoting emotional healing and personal empowerment. Psychodrama emphasizes creativity and spontaneity rather than illness and pathology.

Is this workshop for you? If you would like a space to do your personal work in a caring and encouraging environment and/or are looking to incorporate innovative methods into your practice, this workshop is for you. If you are new to psychodrama or to my work, this will be the perfect opportunity to experience a psychodrama weekend. You will learn about or deepen your knowledge of psychodrama. All levels of experience with psychodrama are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Professional Educational Goal (You do not need to be a professional to attend)
Participants will learn psychodramatic methods to address blocks and supports to foster personal growth and/or to work with clients. 
 

Learning Objectives
After the workshop, participants will be better able to:

• Name at least one health benefit of opening the heart.
• Discuss the importance of the warm-up phase of psychodrama.
• Explain the difference between embodying a role versus talking about a role.
• Discuss what is meant by a supportive or resourcing role.

When: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2026

Time: 9:30 am - 5:45 pm

Where: Marin County

Fee: $450 by 9/1/26; $500 after.
Student fee (with full-time ID):  $350 by 9/1/26; $400 after.
 

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

Health policy: Participants’ health is important. Respectfully, we also acknowledge that each individual is entirely responsible for their health and 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 $100 administrative fee if notified 3 days before the start of the workshop. No refund thereafter.  

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

Registration: Click here

Continuing education (CE) credit information for health professionals: 

CE for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, and/or LEP
Course meets the qualifications for 14 hours of continuing education credit 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.
Certificates will be distributed upon completion. Additional $25 fee. 
See http://www.bayareamorenoinstitute.com/ce-provider/ for information about
Accommodations and Grievances.

CEs for Licensed Psychologists and Registered Nurses (Notify Sylvia 8 weeks prior to apply for CEs. Additional Fee: $100.)
 

Drama Therapy and Psychodrama Training Hours: 14.5 hours may 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)