The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles
All classes are held on Zoom, and might offer a hybrid in-person option for local students. Please contact your instructor to explore in person options.
Core Classes (3 Units)
Principles of Drama Therapy
Dates: September 21, 28, Oct.5, 12, 19, and 26, Nov. 2
Times: 9:30am to 3:30 pm (PST) ( 30 minute lunch break): Additional Hours: 6.5 TBA Lab Hours
Instructor: Pam Dunne, Ph.D, RDT,BCT, NT
Cost: $899
On Zoom and Possibility of Hybrid
Participants will explore fundamental drama therapy approaches of Role Theory, Narradrama, Integrative 5 Phase, Transpersonal, DVT, Ethnodramatherapy, and Insight Improvisation. Through experiential exercises, participants will practice the approaches and discover ways to creatively utilize masks, puppets, life size dolls and objects. In addition, participants will explore psychodramatic techniques of role reversal, doubling, interviewing, mirroring and more. Opportunities to apply approaches in working with specific populations and settings will be given.
Developmental Psychology
Dates: September 7, 8, 14, 15, 22; October 27; November 3, 10, 17; December 15, 21
Time: 9 am to 12 pm (PST) – except for December 21, which is 9 am to 1 pm
Arranged Video Lab Hours (11)
Cost: $899
Instructor: Terhi Korkiakangas, Ph.D, CL.Hyp. Psychologist
This course will examine how people develop and change throughout the lifespan, from conception to old age. We will explore the development of human behavior, thought, emotion, and relationships, with a focus on the prenatal, childhood, and adolescent stages when most of these changes take place. The course will cover classic theories of child development and newer approaches based on neuroscience, gene-environment interactions, and contextual and sociocultural influences on development. We will also address important topics such as the nature-nurture debate, biological and social perspectives on psychopathology, and neurodiversity-based approaches to atypical development. Participants will learn about developmental psychology through a combination of theory, experiential exercises, relevant videos, assignments, and creative methods designed for self-reflection and discovery.
Creative Drama
Dates:, Nov. 9 and 16, Dec. 7, Dec 14
Time: 9:30 to 3:30 pm ( PST) (30 minute lunch break)
Additional Hours: Self- Study, Lab, and Film hour-TBA ( 23)
Zoom, and possibility of Hybrid
Cost: $899
Instructor: Pam Dunne, Ph.D, RDT, BCT, NT
Participants will explore the theory and practice of creative drama in educational and therapeutic settings and discover creative methods of developing story dramatization, ongoing drama, pantomime and theatre games and apply learning to drama therapy. They will experiment with linear and process approaches to creative drama and create projects centered around social action, drama therapy and performance art. Class projects and exercises will be applied to educational, community, and clinical settings.
7 Hour Classes (.5 Unit)
The Art of Identity: Affirming Art Therapy for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Dates: Sept. 29 and October 6:
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm ( PST)
Additional: 1 hour arranged
Cost: $169
Teacher: Georgie Landy, LCAT, ATR-BC
This workshop, centered in art therapy theory and practice, focuses on issues of identity, community and creativity within the LGBTQ@+ community. Through a creative process, participants will explore ways that art-making can enhance self- awareness and self-esteem, behavior management, identity exploration, and social skill development.
Transforming Connections: Navigating Relationship Challenges through Narradrama
Dates: Sundays, October 13 and 20
Time: 9 am to 12:00 pm ( PST)
Cost: $ 169
Additional Hour: (1) TBA
Teacher: Ksenia Illinskaya, (Narrative Therapy Professor, Psychologist, and Narradrama Trainer (NT))
Zoom
This workshop delves into the heart of relationships, not as consumer commodities or as means to an end, but as valuable in themself. Through the lens of Narradrama, we’ll externalize and breathe life into new possibilities in imaging different relationships (friends, parents, couples) using a fusion of creative exercises. Together, we’ll explore and co-create pathways toward the emergence of empowered, preferred roles for relationships.
Deconstructing and Reimagining Depression Through Narradrama
Dates: Oct. 25, Nov 1 and Nov. 8
Time: 12 pm to 2 pm ( PST)
Cost: $ 169
Arranged Time: ( 1 hour )
Instructor: Pam Paulson, M.A., LMFT., RDT- NT
Exploring deconstruction processes in navigating a transformed path in moving from the hold of depression to a new relationship
to freedom, agency and hope. Workshop will utilize phototherapy techniques in combination with Narradrama.
Transformational Justice, Narradrama, & Ethics
Dates: December 1 and 8
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30pm ( PST)
Cost: $169
Teacher: Kamran Afary. MA, MFT, RDT, NT
Additional: 1 hour arranged
This workshop delves into the intersections of abolitionist principles and drama therapy. Participants will explore how entrenched carceral logics pervade social institutions and professional practices, challenging drama therapists to envision, redefine, and enact new concepts of freedom and justice. The workshop will introduce participants to the wealth of existing literature, research, and multimedia resources, including the Drama Therapy in Prison Archives available for their educational and clinical practice. Attendees will engage in discussions and experiential exercises designed to foster critical consciousness, equipping them with the tools to advocate for community-based approaches and holistic well-being, thereby contributing to a more equitable and just society.
*This class is approved for CHED.