Trauma-Informed Psychodrama Directing Intensive

Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP

Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy

Presented by Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP

Date & Time: 5-day training workshop from Jan 15-19th, 2025 | Wednesday – Sunday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, 524 N. Providence Road
Media, PA 19063

Cost –$1050 ($775 for students) (this fee guarantees a directing opportunity)

$825 – Reduced cost option for those interested in attending without directing practice

*please inquire if you are unavailable to attend the entire week and are interested in 2-3 day registration options

35 CE hours for NBCC, PA LSW/LCSW, LPC, LMFT, and Psychologists | 35 Training hours provided towards experiential and psychodrama certifications. *APA CE Hours are not offered in this workshop

About the Workshop: 

This psychodrama directing practice is designed for psychodrama students, practitioners, and trainers-in-training to enhance their directing through a trauma-informed lens. Each participant will have the opportunity to facilitate a group psychodrama and receive feedback from their peers and the trainer. Feedback will be provided based on the psychodrama certification competencies outlined by the ABE, as well as trauma-informed psychodrama considerations. Each participant will also have the opportunity to be the protagonist and play auxiliary roles to learn psychodrama from the inside out.

Psychodrama facilitation competencies emphasized will include a demonstrated understanding of group phases, the warming-up process, spontaneity-creativity theory, role theory, protagonist selection, contracting, scene setting, concretization, doubling, the mirror position, role reversal, soliloquy, directing auxiliaries and the audience, facilitating catharsis safely,  facilitating closure/integration, containment, strength-based roles, trauma-informed principles in psychodrama, attending to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychodrama, sub-roles of the director, and facilitating the sharing phase of a psychodrama session.

While this is a training workshop, and training will be held as the priority, there will be a multitude of secondary opportunities for personal growth. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced psychodrama students and would not be the best for someone with no prior psychodrama training. Participants are expected to have past experiential/psychodrama experience as a prerequisite for this workshop, as well as a foundational understanding of psychodrama’s methodology. This workshop will be attractive for anyone seeking to enhance their psychodrama facilitation skills – and especially for professionals with some psychodrama experience seeking to put their learning into action more fully. Professionals warming up to complete their CP/TEP onsite exams will also find this workshop helpful as the trainer will provide feedback using the same competencies outlined for the CP/TEP onsite exams.

Learning Objectives:

-Explain at least two psychodrama interventions

-Identify the three phases of a psychodrama group

-Describe at least two trauma-informed considerations for psychodrama directing

By purchasing tickets and registering for this event, you confirm that you agree with the Phoenix Center’s Informed Consent for Experiential Therapy Training.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET BELOW AND FILL OUT OUR REGISTRATION FORM HERE!

Please follow the following steps to pay and register for this workshop:

Step 1: Pay for the event using PayPal.

Step 2: Fill out the registration form – YOU MUST USE THE SAME EMAIL YOU USE FOR PAYPAL WHEN YOU FILL OUT THE EVENT REGISTRATION FORM. 

Step 3: You will hear from us with a confirmation email (the same one you used for PayPal and registration) indicating your registration and information about the event in a few days. All materials will be directed to the same email address including your certificate.

Sold Out	Professional Registration for 1/15/24-1/19/24 Trauma-Informed Psychodrama Directing Intensive	1050.00 USD
Sold Out	Student Registration for 1/15/24-1/19/24 Trauma-Informed Psychodrama Directing Intensive	775.00 USD
Sold Out	Registration for 1/15/24-1/19/24 Trauma-Informed Psychodrama Directing Intensive WITHOUT DIRECTING	825.00 USD

Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

*Please note that this workshop will include both didactic and experiential learning components. The experiential learning structures include demonstrations of psychodrama and other experiential processes which often include (optional) personal disclosures from participants. While personal growth is often a byproduct of experiential learning in psychodrama, the primary purpose of this workshop is training. If you are seeking a workshop for personal growth or seeking a professional training event that is entirely didactic (lecture/PowerPoint), this is probably not the best workshop for you.

For folks traveling from out of town, there is a new beautiful bed and breakfast just 1 block from the Phoenix Center that we recommend. It is within walking distance of downtown Media and plenty of shops/restaurants – https://www.gifford-risleyhouse.com. Mention Phoenix Center for a reduced rate.

No Conflicts of Interest or outside commercial support have been declared by the presenter or others involved in the program.

This workshop is designed primarily for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and therapists but other professionals may also find it helpful. The instruction is designed at the intermediate level (though many new and advanced professionals may also find it helpful).

CE Program Policies and Procedures related to Refunds/Cancellations, Grievances, and Conflicts of Interest can be found here.

For the workshop schedule or other details or questions about the workshop, please contact us at [email protected].

Continuing Education (CE) Approval Statements relevant to this workshop:

• Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, LLC (Lic. #004115) has been approved as a pre-approved provider of professional continuing education for social workers (Section 47.36), Marriage and Family Therapist (Section 48.36) and Professional Counselors (Section 49.36) by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
• Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychologists (Lic. # PSY000215) to offer continuing education for psychologists.
• Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7013. Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, LLC maintains responsibility for the program.

Johanny Baez (she/her/hers) is currently a graduate student enrolled in Eastern University’s Clinical Counseling Trauma master’s program, having previously earned her BA in Psychology from the same institution. Johanny’s diverse experiences uniquely qualify her to provide comprehensive support to a broad range of individuals. Fluent in both English and Spanish as her first language, she brings a nuanced perspective to her therapeutic work.

Rooted in empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering, my commitment to supporting individuals grappling with trauma and mental health challenges is unwavering. My dedication to nurturing resilience and fostering positive change reflects a deeply ingrained compassion and an authentic desire to facilitate healing and transformation in the lives of those I serve. I am motivated by a vision of personal growth and firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to flourish and become their best self, regardless of their past experiences or current struggles. Through our work, I hope to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where you feel not only heard, understood, and supported but also empowered as you embark on your journey toward healing and recovery.

Johanny’s profound passion lies in working with individuals facing trauma and diverse mental health challenges. This commitment is intricately tied to her identity, characterized by cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and a nuanced understanding of immigrant experiences. Her background allows her to establish trust and rapport, essential for cultivating meaningful therapeutic relationships. Eager to contribute to a diverse and inclusive therapeutic space, Johanny looks forward to honoring the unique strengths and experiences of each individual she has the privilege to support.

Johanny’s professional journey encompasses diverse roles aimed at providing comprehensive support to individuals facing various challenges. Currently, she focuses on assisting college students on the spectrum, offering holistic support across academic, emotional, and social dimensions. Beyond her work with college students, Johanny draws from past experiences as a practicum student, where she supported adolescents, young adults, and women dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional growth, she will be actively engaging in various training programs, including EMDR and psychodrama, to enrich her therapeutic toolkit at Phoenix Center. Additionally, her experience as an academic coach equips her with valuable skills applicable to counseling roles, merging academic expertise with a nuanced understanding of psychological well-being.

Johanny’s typical fee is $85 for individual therapy (53 min); She can work on a flexible sliding scale if needed.

Johanny Baez (pronombre: ella) es actualmente una estudiante de posgrado, inscrita en el programa de maestría en Consejería Clínica en Trauma de Eastern University, y anteriormente obtuvo su Licenciatura en Psicología en la misma institución. Las diversas experiencias de Johanny la califican de manera única para brindar apoyo integral a una amplia gama de personas. Habla con fluidez inglés y español como su primer idioma, y aporta una perspectiva matizada a su trabajo terapéutico.

La profunda pasión de Johanny radica en trabajar con personas que enfrentan traumas y diversos desafíos de salud mental. Este compromiso está ligado a su identidad, caracterizada por la sensibilidad cultural, el dominio del idioma y una comprensión matizada de las experiencias de los inmigrantes. Su experiencia le permite establecer confianza y simpatía, esenciales para cultivar relaciones terapéuticas significativas. Deseosa de contribuir a un espacio terapéutico diverso e inclusivo, Johanny espera honrar las fortalezas y experiencias únicas de cada individuo a quien tiene el privilegio de apoyar.

Arraigado en la empatía y un deseo genuino de aliviar el sufrimiento, el compromiso de Johanny de apoyar a las personas que enfrentan traumas y desafíos de salud mental es inquebrantable. Su dedicación a fomentar la resiliencia y el cambio positivo refleja una compasión profundamente y un deseo auténtico de facilitar la curación y la transformación en las vidas de aquellos a quienes sirve. A Johanny la motiva una visión de crecimiento personal y cree firmemente que cada individuo merece la oportunidad de prosperar y convertirse en lo mejor de sí mismo, independientemente de sus experiencias pasadas o luchas actuales. A través de su trabajo, espera cultivar un entorno seguro y enriquecedor donde las personas no solo se sientan escuchadas, comprendidas y apoyadas, sino también empoderadas a medida que se embarcan en su viaje hacia la curación y la recuperación.

La trayectoria profesional de Johanny abarca diversos roles destinados a brindar apoyo integral a personas que enfrentan diversos desafíos. Actualmente, se enfoca en ayudar a estudiantes universitarios en todo el espectro, ofreciendo apoyo integral en las dimensiones académica, emocional y social. Más allá de su trabajo con estudiantes universitarios, Johanny se basa en experiencias pasadas como estudiante de prácticas, donde apoyó a adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y mujeres que enfrentan desafíos de salud mental como ansiedad y depresión. Demostrando un compromiso con el crecimiento profesional continuo, participará activamente en varios programas de capacitación, incluidos EMDR y psicodrama, para enriquecer su conjunto de herramientas terapéuticas en Phoenix Center. Además, su experiencia como asesora académica la dota de valiosas habilidades aplicables a funciones de consejería, fusionando experiencia académica con una comprensión matizada del bienestar psicológico.

La tarifa típica de Johanny es de $85 por terapia individual (53 min); Puede trabajar en una escala móvil flexible si es necesario.

Accepting New Clients in April!

Johanny Baez (she/her/hers) is currently a graduate student enrolled in Eastern University’s Clinical Counseling Trauma master’s program, having previously earned her BA in Psychology from the same institution. Johanny’s diverse experiences uniquely qualify her to provide comprehensive support to a broad range of individuals. Fluent in both English and Spanish as her first language, she brings a nuanced perspective to her therapeutic work.

Rooted in empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering, my commitment to supporting individuals grappling with trauma and mental health challenges is unwavering. My dedication to nurturing resilience and fostering positive change reflects a deeply ingrained compassion and an authentic desire to facilitate healing and transformation in the lives of those I serve. I am motivated by a vision of personal growth and firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to flourish and become their best self, regardless of their past experiences or current struggles. Through our work, I hope to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where you feel not only heard, understood, and supported but also empowered as you embark on your journey toward healing and recovery.

Johanny’s profound passion lies in working with individuals facing trauma and diverse mental health challenges. This commitment is intricately tied to her identity, characterized by cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and a nuanced understanding of immigrant experiences. Her background allows her to establish trust and rapport, essential for cultivating meaningful therapeutic relationships. Eager to contribute to a diverse and inclusive therapeutic space, Johanny looks forward to honoring the unique strengths and experiences of each individual she has the privilege to support.

Johanny’s professional journey encompasses diverse roles aimed at providing comprehensive support to individuals facing various challenges. Currently, she focuses on assisting college students on the spectrum, offering holistic support across academic, emotional, and social dimensions. Beyond her work with college students, Johanny draws from past experiences as a practicum student, where she supported adolescents, young adults, and women dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional growth, she will be actively engaging in various training programs, including EMDR and psychodrama, to enrich her therapeutic toolkit at Phoenix Center. Additionally, her experience as an academic coach equips her with valuable skills applicable to counseling roles, merging academic expertise with a nuanced understanding of psychological well-being.

Johanny’s typical fee is $85 for individual therapy (53 min); She can work on a flexible sliding scale if needed.

Johanny Baez (pronombre: ella) es actualmente una estudiante de posgrado, inscrita en el programa de maestría en Consejería Clínica en Trauma de Eastern University, y anteriormente obtuvo su Licenciatura en Psicología en la misma institución. Las diversas experiencias de Johanny la califican de manera única para brindar apoyo integral a una amplia gama de personas. Habla con fluidez inglés y español como su primer idioma, y aporta una perspectiva matizada a su trabajo terapéutico.

La profunda pasión de Johanny radica en trabajar con personas que enfrentan traumas y diversos desafíos de salud mental. Este compromiso está ligado a su identidad, caracterizada por la sensibilidad cultural, el dominio del idioma y una comprensión matizada de las experiencias de los inmigrantes. Su experiencia le permite establecer confianza y simpatía, esenciales para cultivar relaciones terapéuticas significativas. Deseosa de contribuir a un espacio terapéutico diverso e inclusivo, Johanny espera honrar las fortalezas y experiencias únicas de cada individuo a quien tiene el privilegio de apoyar.

Arraigado en la empatía y un deseo genuino de aliviar el sufrimiento, el compromiso de Johanny de apoyar a las personas que enfrentan traumas y desafíos de salud mental es inquebrantable. Su dedicación a fomentar la resiliencia y el cambio positivo refleja una compasión profundamente y un deseo auténtico de facilitar la curación y la transformación en las vidas de aquellos a quienes sirve. A Johanny la motiva una visión de crecimiento personal y cree firmemente que cada individuo merece la oportunidad de prosperar y convertirse en lo mejor de sí mismo, independientemente de sus experiencias pasadas o luchas actuales. A través de su trabajo, espera cultivar un entorno seguro y enriquecedor donde las personas no solo se sientan escuchadas, comprendidas y apoyadas, sino también empoderadas a medida que se embarcan en su viaje hacia la curación y la recuperación.

La trayectoria profesional de Johanny abarca diversos roles destinados a brindar apoyo integral a personas que enfrentan diversos desafíos. Actualmente, se enfoca en ayudar a estudiantes universitarios en todo el espectro, ofreciendo apoyo integral en las dimensiones académica, emocional y social. Más allá de su trabajo con estudiantes universitarios, Johanny se basa en experiencias pasadas como estudiante de prácticas, donde apoyó a adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y mujeres que enfrentan desafíos de salud mental como ansiedad y depresión. Demostrando un compromiso con el crecimiento profesional continuo, participará activamente en varios programas de capacitación, incluidos EMDR y psicodrama, para enriquecer su conjunto de herramientas terapéuticas en Phoenix Center. Además, su experiencia como asesora académica la dota de valiosas habilidades aplicables a funciones de consejería, fusionando experiencia académica con una comprensión matizada del bienestar psicológico.

La tarifa típica de Johanny es de $85 por terapia individual (53 min); Puede trabajar en una escala móvil flexible si es necesario.

This video depicts the use of the Circle of Strengths which is an experiential group work tool adaptable for any group setting, any population, and any topic. The Circle of Strengths was developed by Kate Hudgins & Francesca Toscani as part of the Therapeutic Spiral Model. It is particularly useful as a strengths-based group-as-a-whole process for establishing safety and is frequently used by psychodramatists, community organizers, and other group workers. The Circle of Strengths is an action-based group tool that accesses the power of the group and cultivates mutual aid – the ability for each participant to be a therapeutic agent for each other.

Group workers are encouraged to pursue more training in experiential therapy, sociometry, and psychodrama. For upcoming trainings offered by Scott, visit http://www.PhoenixTraumaCenter.com/training

This video is one of a 4-part series of experiential training videos which demonstrate trauma-informed, strength-based group facilitation tools. The other videos are available here:
-Spectrograms – https://youtu.be/-lmysRgWF2Y
-Step-in Sociometry – https://youtu.be/UEjYzlT-b0Y
-Floor Checks – https://youtu.be/nA47xvp2V5Y
-Circle of Strengths – https://youtu.be/DH4q5JbtqUo

To read more about these experiential processes, view publications by Scott and the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy team here – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/publications/

#sociometry #experientialtherapy #experientialwork #groupwork #experientialteaching #experientialeducation #psychodrama #grouptherapy #grouppsychotherapy #CircleofStrengths #TherapeuticSpiralModel #communityorganizing #addictiontreatment #traumatherapy

This video depicts the use of the Locogram and Floor Check which are experiential group work tools adaptable for any group setting, any population, and any topic. Floor Checks were developed by Tian Dayton as part of the Relational Trauma Repair Model. They are particularly useful as a group-as-a-whole assessment tool and are frequently used by psychodramatists, community organizers, and other group workers. Floor Checks are an action-based group tool that access the power of the group and cultivate mutual aid – the ability for each participant to be a therapeutic agent for each other.

Group workers are encouraged to pursue more training in experiential therapy, sociometry, and psychodrama. For upcoming trainings offered by Scott, visit http://www.PhoenixTraumaCenter.com/training

This video is one of a 4-part series of experiential training videos which demonstrate trauma-informed, strength-based group facilitation tools. The other videos are available here:
-Spectrograms – https://youtu.be/-lmysRgWF2Y
-Step-in Sociometry – https://youtu.be/UEjYzlT-b0Y
-Floor Checks – https://youtu.be/nA47xvp2V5Y
-Circle of Strengths – https://youtu.be/DH4q5JbtqUo

To read more about these experiential processes, view publications by Scott and the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy team here – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/publications/

#sociometry #experientialtherapy #experientialwork #groupwork #experientialteaching #experientialeducation #psychodrama #grouptherapy #grouppsychotherapy #locogram #floorcheck #RelationalTraumaRepairModel #communityorganizing #addictiontreatment #traumatherapy

This video depicts the use of the step-in sociometry which is an experiential group work tool adaptable for any group setting, any population, and any topic. Step-In Sociometry, sometimes called Circle of Similarities, is particularly useful as a group-as-a-whole assessment tool and is frequently used by psychodramatists, community organizers, and other group workers. Step-in Sociometry allow participants to quickly uncover shared experience, identity, or interests.

Group workers are encouraged to pursue more training in experiential therapy, sociometry, and psychodrama. For upcoming trainings offered by Scott, visit http://www.PhoenixTraumaCenter.com/training

This video is one of a 4-part series of experiential training videos which demonstrate trauma-informed, strength-based group facilitation tools. The other videos are available here:
-Spectrograms – https://youtu.be/-lmysRgWF2Y
-Step-in Sociometry – https://youtu.be/UEjYzlT-b0Y
-Floor Checks – https://youtu.be/nA47xvp2V5Y
-Circle of Strengths – https://youtu.be/DH4q5JbtqUo

To read more about these experiential processes, view publications by Scott and the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy team here – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/publications/

#sociometry #experientialtherapy #experientialwork #groupwork #experientialteaching #experientialeducation #psychodrama #grouptherapy #grouppsychotherapy #stepinsociometry #communityorganizing #addictiontreatment #traumatherapy

This video depicts the use of the spectrogram which is an experiential group work tool adaptable for any group setting, any population, and any topic. Spectrograms are particularly useful as a group-as-a-whole assessment tool and are frequently used by psychodramatists, community organizers, and other group workers. Spectrograms are essentially a sliding scale with the entire group in an action-based format that allows participants to see where they fit in within the group.

Group workers are encouraged to pursue more training in experiential therapy, sociometry, and psychodrama. For upcoming trainings offered by Scott, visit http://www.PhoenixTraumaCenter.com/training

This video is one of a 4-part series of experiential training videos which demonstrate trauma-informed, strength-based group facilitation tools. The other videos are available here:
-Spectrograms – https://youtu.be/-lmysRgWF2Y
-Step-in Sociometry – https://youtu.be/UEjYzlT-b0Y
-Floor Checks – https://youtu.be/nA47xvp2V5Y
-Circle of Strengths – https://youtu.be/DH4q5JbtqUo

To read more about these experiential processes, view publications by Scott and the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy team here – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/publications/

#sociometry #experientialtherapy #experientialwork #groupwork #experientialteaching #experientialeducation #psychodrama #grouptherapy #grouppsychotherapy #spectrogram #communityorganizing #addictiontreatment #traumatherapy

New short article by Dr. Scott Giacomucci covering sociodrama, teletherapy, and coronavirus in APA’s Div 49 newsletter. Scott presents a description of an online sociodramatic dialogue between humanity and coronavirus that took place in an MSW course session at Bryn Mawr College.

https://www.apadivisions.org/division-49/publications/newsletter/group-psychologist/2020/08/coronavirus-humanity-telepathy

In this piece, Moreno’s early ideas of using technology with therapy are presented including the proposal that the large-scale shift to teletherapy constitutes a fourth revolution in the mental health field:

“Moreno highlights the three revolutions in the field of mental health and psychiatry: (1) Pinel’s humane treatment of the mentally ill, (2) Freud’s reconceptualization of mental illness through psychology rather than neurology, and (3) the emergence of group therapy and community mental health approaches (Moreno, 1961). I believe that the large-scale shift to teletherapy, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, constitutes a fourth revolution in the field and will have a lasting impact on how we practice psychology and group therapy, as well as how we teach/train the next generations of group psychotherapists.”

#teletherapy #psychology #grouppsychology #groupwork #grouppsychotherapy #grouptherapy #psychodrama #sociodrama

Today our director, Dr. Scott Giacomucci, presented a workshop for the International Trauma-Informed Art-Therapy certification program which included a multi-lingual group from Ukraine, Turkey, and Kurdistan (Iraq).

The workshop topic was “Trauma, Safety, and the Brain” which included information about trauma-informed principles, establishing safety in groups, and neurobiology of trauma and art-based therapies. The importance of safety was emphasized while addressing various strategies for cultivaging safety.

Strength-based interventions from EMDR and psychodrama were demonstrated with their capacity to resource trauma survivors. Many thanks to Caner Bingol & Mariya Volkova for organizing and the invitation to present along with other international trauma experts!

#trauma#traumainformed#traumarecovery#traumatherapy#experientialtherapy#creativearttherapy#expressivearttherapy#ptsd#ptsdawareness#PTSDTreatment#EMDRtherapy#psychodrama

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there’s no doubt that COVID-19 has effected the mental and emotional health of millions of people worldwide. The lingering uncertainty caused by pandemic has created incredible amounts of fear, anger and anxiety in many of us. Not to mention the stress of managing our day to day lives and attempting to plan for the immediate future.

Dr Scott Giacomucci is the Director/Founder of the Phoenix Center and Director of Trauma Services at Mirmont Treatment Center. He’ll go into detail on how the effects of COVID-19 are effecting people’s mental and emotional health. He’ll also offer suggestions on what we can do to take care of ourselves as we navigate our way through these unprecedented times.

Full Interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QwZUqwB2Q&feature=youtu.be

Special thanks to The Chris Edwards Group for interviewing us on Coronavirus, Collective Trauma, and Self-Care. Keep Chris in mind if you are looking for real estate services with honesty and integrity.

Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy remains open offering teletherapy sessions, reach out to us for more information at [email protected] or 484-440-9416

#traumatherapy #collectivetrauma #coronavirustrauma #traumahealing #societaltrauma #mentalhealthawareness