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• Opening the Heart: A Psychodrama Workshop for Personal Growth and Professional Development
• The Practice of Psychodrama: 4-Day Training Intensive
• September 2026 - June 2027 Psychodrama Training Cohort

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)

This four-day intensive will bring together a supportive and stimulating community of learners committed to personal and professional growth. Together, we will explore the theory and philosophy underlying psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and experience the roles of group member, auxiliary ego, protagonist and director.

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.

Who should attend? 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. 

All levels of psychodrama experience are welcome.

Educational Goal 

Students will learn the philosophy, history and methodology or psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy as created by JL Moreno and Zerka Toeman Moreno.  

Learning Objectives

After the training, participants will be able to: 

- List the three phases of every psychodrama
- Identify the five elements of psychodrama

- Apply the technique of doubling in your work

- Demonstrate the use of role reversal to access strengths  

- List at least one reason a director would call for a role reversal

- Discuss how psychodrama can be used for containment and expansion 
- Explain why spontaneity and creativity are important in psychodrama

- Describe how sociometric exercises create cohesion and safety in a group 

- Apply sociometric methods to your work

- Demonstrate directing an action vignette

When: Thursday through Sunday, December 10-13, 2026

Time: 9:30 am – 5:45 pm 

Where: Marin County, CA

Fee: $900 by 11/10/26; $950 after.

Student (with full time ID) Fee: $750 by 11/10/26. After 11/10/2026 - $800.

Payment Methods: Payment can be made by Venmo @Sylvia-Israel 415 686 6800 or Zelle 415 686 6800 or Check - contact sylvia@imaginecenter.net. 

Refund Policy: Full refund three weeks prior; 50% two weeks prior. No refund after. 

Information/To Register: Click here

Space is limited, so please register early. New students are required to have an interview with Sylvia before registering. Contact: Sylvia Israel (415) 454-7308 or sylvia@imaginecenter.net. 
Returning students are invited to request an interview if desired.

Continuing Education (CE): Course meets the qualifications for 28 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 

Certificates of Attendance: Will be distributed at the end of the training.

Accommodationsand Grievances: See https://www.bayareamorenoinstitute.com/ce-provider/

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

Drama Therapy and Psychodrama Training Hours: 29 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)

The Bay Area Moreno Institute is offering a Psychodrama Training Cohort, October 2026 through May 2027. This is an in-person closed group, which will meet over four weekends (two 2-day weekends; two 3-day weekends). The group will provide in-depth training for people seeking to expand their knowledge of the theory and practice of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. Whether you are interested in bringing action methods into your work, pursuing psychodrama certification, or seeking an in-depth experience of psychodrama, this training will support you in taking your next steps.   

The closed cohort training group creates a supportive, stimulating community of learners committed to personal and professional growth. The training group is a laboratory in which to develop spontaneity as a director, auxiliary, protagonist and group member. Special topics will be presented which might include sociometry, role development, spontaneity/creativity, playback theater, defenses and working with trauma. Trainees will have input into specific areas of study and numerous opportunities for directing. 

Participants develop their skills as auxiliary and director through leading warm-ups, practicing psychodramatic techniques and interventions, and by directing vignettes and short psychodramas. Advanced trainees may have the opportunity to direct a full drama. 

Through this 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 how psychodrama can be used for containment and expansion 
• Experience activities that support healthy connections in groups
• Receive peer encouragement and coaching as you apply psychodrama methods to your work
• Experience inspiration, compassion and support from a group of diverse and dedicated professionals 

Who should attend? 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. 

Please contact Sylvia if you would like to join the cohort.

Continuing Education Information

Educational Goal 

Students will learn the philosophy, history and methodology of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy as created by JL and Zerka Moreno.  

Learning Objectives

After the training cohort sessions participants will be able to: 

- List the three phases 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 at least one reason a director would call for a role reversal
- 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

When: Four weekends October 2026 – May 2027

Dates:          October 10-12, 2026 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

January 16-17, 2027 (Saturday & Sunday)

March 20-21, 2027 (Saturday & Sunday)

May 21-23, 2026 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

Participants must make a commitment to participate in all sessions. 

Time: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm 

Where: Marin County, CA

Fee: $2,300 or $475 per 2-day weekend and $675 per 3-day weekend by 9/1/2026; 

After 9/1/2026 - $2,500 or $525 per 2-day weekend and $725 per 3-day weekend 

Student (with full time ID) Fee: $1900 or $375 per 2-day weekend and $575 per 3-day weekend by 9/1/26. After 9/1/2026 - $2,100 or $425 per 2-day weekend and $625 per 3-day weekend.

Three Payment Options (Note Early Registration discount):  

(a) One payment (preferable) of $2300 by 9/1/26 for Early Registration discount. After 9/1/26 $2500.

Students by 9/1/26 - $1900; after 9/1/26 - $2100.  

(b) Four payments: 

1. By 9/1/26: A deposit of $675 ($575 for students) upon registration that will be applied to the last (4th) session. After 9/1/26, add $50.

          2. By 10/1/26 $475 ($375 for students). After 10/1/26, add $50.  

          3. By 1/1/27 $475 ($375 for students). After 1/1/27, add $50.

          4. By 3/1/27 $675 ($575 for students). After 3/1/27, add $50.  

(c) Four post-dated checks received by 9/1/26 (Dated 9/1/26, 10/1/26, 1/1/27 &3/1/27).

Payment Methods: Payment is expected for all sessions and can be made by Venmo @Sylvia-Israel 415 686 6800 or Zelle 415 686 6800 or Check-contact sylvia@imaginecenter.net. 

Refund policy: Full refund three weeks prior to first meeting. 50% two weeks prior. No refund after. 

Financial and Participation Commitment: By joining the training cohort, you are making a commitment to participate and pay for all four sessions. 

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 before registering. Returning students are invited to request an interview if desired.

Returning Students or New Students with permission:  TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.

INFORMATION ON CONTINUING EDUCATION: Course meets the qualifications for  72.5 hours (14.5 per 2-day weekend; 21.75 per 3-day weekend) 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: $40 for all four weekends. 

Certificates of Attendance: Will be distributed each weekend.

Accommodationsand Grievances: See https://www.bayareamorenoinstitute.com/ce-provider/

CEs for Licensed Psychologists and Registered Nurses: Contact Sylvia 8 weeks before the first day of the workshop. Additional Fee TBD. 

Drama Therapy and Psychodrama Training Hours: 75 (15 per 2-day weekend; 22.5 per 3-day weekend) 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)