This method combines two forms of psychotherapy: psychodrama and bodywork. In psychodrama, blocked spontaneity from earlier trauma is freed and reintegrated through dramatic action methods. Bodywork involves safe touch to help individuals connect with the messages that are held in the body as pain, numbness, substance use disorders and/or illness.

Psychodrama is . . .

. . . a form of psychotherapy in which blocked spontaneity from earlier traumas is unblocked and reintegrated through dramatic action methods.

Bodywork is . . .

. . . a form of healing that involves touching numb, tense, or painful areas in a safe manner. This process often directs us to unexpressed emotions that can be expressed, resulting in a freeing of body energy flow.

In these workshops, we work with a team of skilled assistants who perform skits to explain the theory, as well as provide support for all group members. The environment is relaxed and highly conducive to learning.

The Introductory Level Workshop focuses on:

• Understanding, witnessing, and experiencing the emotional release of anger, fear, and sadness – from barely expressed to fully released
• Learning where the body holds each of these emotions when they are unexpressed
• Learning and practicing guidelines for safe touch
• Increasing our comfort with the use of safe touch
• Increasing our capacity for healthy attachment and greater intimacy
• Increasing our somatic mindfulness
• Experiencing the integration of bodywork in the structure of a psychodrama
• Understanding how the holding of emotion affects the recovery process

Deep personal healing does occur because it’s an experiential workshop, but this is not a therapy group. Members will need significant support at various times during and after the workshop to complete and integrate what is begun in the workshops.

FEE:
Early Bird Price: $510, if registered and paid by March 25
(Early Bird Discounted Zelle/Venmo/Check Price available)

Standard Price, if registered after March 25: $585
(Discounted Zelle/Venmo/Check Standard Price available)

Please contact us if you need a payment plan.  You can email actioninstituteassistant@gmail.com or call 310-909-9780.

There is additional fee of $10 for CEUs for California LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, CCAPP, ISEP or Psychodrama.

Please visit the bottom of our Calendar of Events page for information on special needs accommodation, our cancellation/grievance policy, and course completion document issuance.

DATES, TIMES AND LOCATION:
April 25-27, 2025
Costa Mesa Marriott
500 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, 92626

Friday and Saturday:  9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
We have secured a discounted rate of $169 (+ tax) at the Costa Mesa Marriott.  Please contact us for more information about how to book your room.

Course meets the qualifications for a total of 19.5 hours of continuing education credit (per group) for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. CAMFT approved CE Provider #1000127. Provider approved by CCAPP-EI, Provider Number 2N-10-135-0226 for 19.5 CEHs.  19.5 CEHs available for Experiential Therapy (ISEP) and Psychodrama.

Please visit our Calendar of Events page for information on special needs accommodation, our cancellation/grievance policy, and and course completion document issuance.

Covid Policies:

Due to the on-going Covid-19 epidemic, participants are asked to bring rapid Covid tests each day in time to complete the test before we start the workshop, or complete the test prior to arriving, and bring your test as proof of a negative result.  If anyone either tests positive for Covid-19 or has illness symptoms, we ask that you not return for the remainder of the workshop and a credit will be given towards a future workshop for time missed.

If there is reason to believe your test is a false positive (which studies show are rare), you can get a PCR test and may be allowed to return to the workshop with:

• a negative test
• no symptoms
• a willingness to wear a medical grade mask (N-95, KN-95, KF-94, or surgical)
• other group participants feel comfortable with this

General mask requirements for the workshop will be dependent on local ordinance and communicated prior to group.

Substance Use Policy
If you are in substance abuse recovery, you must have at least 1 year of continuous sobriety.  It is also required that all non-recovering participants abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed substances for the duration of this training, as well as the 48 hours prior to workshop commencement. This will aid in being present for the personal work and learning.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Participants will be able to identify how the body holds fight, flight, fawn and freeze corresponding to their trauma responses
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 benefit of using doubling when facilitating Psychodramatic Bodywork
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 benefit of using role reversal when facilitating Psychodramatic Bodywork
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 subtle sign or symptom of a fear
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 subtle sign or symptom of an anger
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 difference between anger and rage
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 subtle sign of sadness
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 technique to help clients safely release fear
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 technique to help clients safely release anger
Participants will be able to identify at least 1 technique to help clients safely release sadness