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BAMI Newsletter - July, 2026 |
| ASGPP Conference, 2026, highlights. | | |
Greetings,
I am pleased to announce Bay Area Moreno Institute’s Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 offerings. All are in-person and will take place in Marin County, CA.
Opening the Heart: A Psychodrama Workshop for Personal Growth and Professional Development
September 26-27, 2026 - Marin County, CA
Although closing our hearts may seem to be our best defense against pain, the cost is a loss of our emotional capacity and sense of aliveness. 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, please join us. Register soon to save your spot! Scroll down to 'Upcoming Offerings' for more information.
In response to the growing Interest in psychodrama training in the Bay Area and beyond, I am offering two longer psychodrama training opportunities.
Psychodrama Training Cohort 2026-2027
Registration Required for Four Weekends
October 10-12, 2026; January 16-17, 2027; March 20-21, 2027;
May 21-23, 2027 - Marin County, CA
October & May weekends meet for 3-days,
January & March weekends meet for 2-days.
If you are interested in expanding your psychodrama skills and practicing within a committed cohort, I encourage you to join us. I am looking forward to the richness that comes from working deeply with a group over time. Scroll down to 'Upcoming Offerings' for details.
The Practice of Psychodrama: 4-Day Training Intensive,
December 10-13, 2026 - Marin County, CA.
Together we will learn the theory and philosophy underlying psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. Participants will have the opportunity to experience and learn about the roles of group member, auxiliary ego, protagonist and director. All levels of psychodrama experience are welcome. To register directly please click here, or scroll down to 'Upcoming Offerings' for more information.
If space allows, I encourage you to attend all three workshops/trainings and accelerate your study of psychodrama.
Peer Groups - We have updated our peer group practice information. Scroll down for details.
New Certified Practitioners (CP) of Psychodrama - I am happy to share that Jing
Baer, LMFT, RDT, CP and Cruz Chan LMFT, RDT, CP, both Bay Area Moreno Institute (BAMI) trainees, are newly Certified Psychodramatists. Read more about Jing and Cruz below.
ASGPP Conference - In May, I attended the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama Conference (ASGPP) in Niagara Falls, New York where I was honored to be recognized with The Regina Moreno Educator's Award. Scroll down for more information.
The annual conference never disappoints. It was a pleasure to be with like-minded
colleagues, see old friends and meet new psychodrama enthusiasts. The creative
energy at the conference was palpable. I attended many interesting workshops and am continually impressed by the variety of the offerings. The Saturday night dance captured the spirit and energy of the conference. Attendees were invited to teach dances from their native countries. Tango, belly-dancing, folk, line-dancing and more were offered to an enthusiastic and supportive crowd. I hope you have the opportunity to attend a future conference. The next conference is in Philadelphia on April 7-10, 2027.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer and I hope to see some of you soon!
Many blessings,
Sylvia
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Opening the Heart: A Psychodrama Workshop for Personal Growth and Professional Development
Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2026
9:30 am - 5:45 pm, Marin County, CA
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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 can 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.
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.
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.
Continuing Education for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LEP, Psychologists and Registered Nurses is available. Additional fee applies. See website or registration form for more information.
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)
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The Practice of Psychodrama:
4-Day Training Intensive
December 10-13, 2026 - Marin County, CA
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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 J.L. 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.
Fee: $900 by 11/10/26; $950 after.
Student (with full time ID) Fee: $750 by 11/10/26. After 11/10/2026 - $800.
Refund Policy: Full refund three weeks prior; 50% two weeks prior. No refund
after.
To Register Directly: Please click here.
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.
Contact: Sylvia Israel (415) 454-7308 or sylvia@imaginecenter.net
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. Psychodrama Certificate of Attendance: Will be awarded to all participants upon completion. (No Fee)
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Psychodrama Training Cohort 2026-2027
October 10-12, 2026, January 16-17, 2027,
March 20-21, 2027, May 21-23, 2027,
Marin County, CA
| | It Looks Like Magic - But You Can Learn It! | |
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.
Educational Goal:
Students will learn the philosophy, history and methodology of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy as created by J.L. 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.
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.
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:
Returning Students, click here. If you are a new student, contact Sylvia before registering, (415) 454 7308, or sylvia@imaginecenter.net. Note: Only a few spaces are open.
Information on Continuing Education: Course meets the qualifications for 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).
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Honored to Receive ASGPP'S,
Regina Moreno Educator's Award
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This year at the ASGPP conference, I was honored to be recognized with The Regina Moreno Educator’s Award. This award is presented annually, when an appropriate candidate exists, to that member of the ASGPP whose application of psychodrama, sociometry, sociatry or sociodrama, has made a significant contribution to the application of this method to the field of K-12 and trade schools, community colleges, and universities. Earlier in my career, I had the privilege of teaching in high school, community college and universities. I am currently adjunct faculty at Kansas State University (KSU) and California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).
It is a privilege to receive an award that honors Regina’s (or Gina's) memory. The daughter of J.L. Moreno and his second wife, Florence Bridge Moreno, Gina taught for 47 years in schools in Colorado, Canada, New York and California, frequently enlivening classrooms with sociodrama, role training and sociometric choice techniques with elementary, middle school, high school and college students. You can learn more about her life in her book, Words of the Daughter: A Memoir.
In 2007, Gina and I, along with others, founded the Bay Area Moreno Institute. Gina blessed us with the use of the Moreno name, which I cherish to this day.
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Congrats to BAMI's New Certified
Psychodrama Practitioners
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Dr. Jing Baer, LMFT, RDT, CP, left, is the founder and clinical director of Roiya Center for Experiential Healing. A drama therapist, group psychotherapist, and recently certified psychodramatist, she developed the Role-Oriented Integrated (ROI) model, a research-published framework that uses action methods and rehearsal to shift entrenched roles and relational patterns.
Hoi In (Cruz) Chan, right, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Registered Drama Therapist. Cruz's background also includes providing mental health services to children, youth, families and adults outpatient and school-based programs. She currently works as a clinical manager providing trauma-informed mental health services to limited English speaking Asians in San Francisco County.
Prior to clinical work, Cruz was a radio host and producer in Macau. She has been actively involved in theater in Macau and San Francisco, with an interest in community theater that addresses social issues, and the exploration of theater as a non-judgmental safe healing space for individuals who have endured similar life experiences. Having completed her CP, Cruz is interested becoming a Teacher, Educator and Practitioner (TEP). In June, she registered with the Psychodrama Board of Examiners as a Practitioner-Applicant for Trainer (PAT).
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Bay Area Moreno Institute (BAMI) Peer Groups - Updated! | |
We are pleased to announce that BAMI trainees have formed three in-person Psychodrama Peer Practice Groups and a fourth is forming in Marin, and one online Peer Consultation Group.
Membership is free and open to anyone with experience in psychodrama and an interest in further study and practice. Each group welcomes new members. See descriptions below for details.
North Berkeley Psychodrama Peer Practice Group
An experiential group for exploring and practicing psychodrama. Sessions include warm-ups, action, and sharing, with opportunities to engage as protagonist or auxiliary and to experiment with directing (optional). Open to a range of experience levels—from beginners to those pursuing psychodrama certification—with participation at your own pace; training hours may be available.
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:00 - 8:30 pm.
Where: Private home in North Berkeley
Contact: Kelsey Laird; kelsey@innerstrengthpsychotherapy.com or (310) 351-9353.
Alameda Psychodrama Peer Practice Group
There is a 50-hours of psychodrama training requirement (or 45 hours from a Drama Therapy Program). This is mainly a closed group although newcomers who commit to at least 9-sessions per year are welcome. It is not a teaching group nor a space for personal work, although personal work does happen in the process of practicing. The focus is on psychodrama skills building.
When: 3rd Sunday of the month, 1 - 4 pm.
Where: Church in Alameda.
Contact: Daphne Ong, daphneong@gmail.com
San Francisco Psychodrama Peer Practice Group
We are currently practicing warm-ups, doubling, and psychodrama structures. We are building our skills to direct full psychodramas.
When: The first and third Wednesdays of the month from 6:30 to 9:30.
Sociometric exercises in the first half and a psychodrama during the second half of the evening.
Where: Private home in the Outer Sunset District.
Contact: Gabrielle, chezgabrielle881@gmail.com
Virtual Peer Consultation Group
Group members support each other in working with their clients, with an emphasis on integrating psychodrama into our sessions.
This is a small group and new members would be welcomed.
When: 3rd Mondays of the month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm.
Where: Online via Zoom.
Contact: Hannah Rudsten, hannahlmft@hannahrudsten.com, (510) 485.9757.
Marin County Psychodrama Peer Practice Group
A peer practice group is forming in Marin County.
Contact: Jana Morgan, janaquinne@gmail.com
| What is Psychodrama and Who Should Attend? | |
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? Bay Area Moreno Institute workshops are 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.
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"Sylvia's workshops are thrilling to take part in, a chance to experience the Creative with an expert guide. While invaluable as a personal experience, Sylvia presents with an eye towards giving therapists new perspectives and new tools that can be put to use in their practice. There is something to be said about the safety, vulnerability, respect and trust in these past two groups. Thank you Sylvia, you managed to make me feel much more present and grounded, cultivating some deeply needed hope and energy to move through these days."
B.R. - Psychotherapist.
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| |  | 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 over 30 years.
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