The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles is pleased to announce our Spring semester classes for 2026. . Whatever you are looking for, DTILA is the place to find moments of learning like community-based approaches, promoting holistic well-being, and creative practices to change the therapeutic story!
Transformational Stories and Pivotal Moments:
- Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
- Dates: April 4, 11, 18.
- Time(s): 9:30am to 2:30pm (April 4 and 11). 9:30am to 12:00pm (April 18). (PST)
- Credits: 1 Unit (3.5 hours TBA)
- Cost: $338
Explore the use of story in Narradrama through a transformational lens by examining narratives such as: unique outcome, identity change, healing relationship, as well as, possibility and power. Participants explore through experiential exercises exploring ways to expand and develop transformational stories and move from problem- saturated stories to more preferred ones through a re-storying process. Participants will also explore pivotal moments which bring positive entry ways into personal stories for the client, which show agency and hope.
Sociodrama and Advanced Psychodramatic Techniques:
- Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
- Dates: April 18, 25. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 7
- Time(s): 9:30am to 3:00pm and (12:30pm to 3:30pm April 18 only). (PST)
- Credits: 3 Units (8 TBA hours)
- Cost: $899
- Lunch Break: 30 minutes
This course focuses on Sociodrama and advanced psychodramatic techniques based on the work of Jacob Moreno and contributions of international leaders in the field. In Sociodrama, participants will explore empty chair sociodrama, pre-rehearsed dramaturgy, dramatic multiplication as well as, living newspaper, re-plotting and other specialized techniques for sociodrama. Attendees will also explore psychodramatic techniques of living sculpture, psychodramatic interviewing, role reversal, mirrors, and other advanced psychodramatic techniques along with sociometric techniques (i.e. spectrograms, locograms). Selected videos and targeted assignments will assist participants in planning and facilitating these processes in community, education, business, and in other settings.
Exploring the Enneagram through Drama Therapy and Authentic Movement:
- Facilitator: Pam Paulson M.A., LMFT., RCT-NT
- Dates: April 19 and 26
- Time: 11:45am to 3:15pm (PST)
- Credits: .5 Unit (TBA 1 hour video/article)
- Cost: $169
In this experiential workshop, we’ll bring the Enneagram to life through embodied exploration. Instead of simply talking about personality types, we’ll step into them—using drama therapy, improvisation, and authentic movement to explore how each Enneagram style thinks, feels, and responds under stress and in growth. Through guided exercises, scene work, and gentle movement. Participants will deepen their understanding of their own Enneagram type and core motivations by exploring patterns of behavior, defense, and longing in creative, compassionate ways. By practicing new ways of responding to familiar triggers through role play and embodied explorations, they will also cultivate empathy for other types by “trying on” their perspectives and energies. Participants will connect with inner resources such as playfulness, curiosity, and self-compassion. This workshop offers a supportive space for insight, healing, and growth through the wisdom of the body and the power of story.
Abolitionism and Narradrama: New Directions in Anti-Carceral Practice:
- Facilitators: Kamran Afary Ph.D., MA, MFT, RDT, NT and Lynn Baker-Nauman LMFT, RDT
- Dates: May 31 and June 7
- Time: 9:00am to 12:15pm (PST)
- Credits: .5 Unit (TBA 1 hour video/article)
- Cost: $169
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 ethics, 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.
Independent Study: Ethics and the Law:
- Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
- Dates: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Credits: 1 Unit
- Cost: $338
Independent Study Information:
Independent studies are more student-led and often with the goal of completing a research project. Meetings will be scheduled on the days and times when the facilitator and the student’s schedules match. Meetings are not mandatory like classes but are rather designed for the facilitator to help the students in their research projects and for students to learn from other students. (time is PST)
Group Supervision for Professionals and Advanced Students:
- Supervisor: Pamela Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
- Schedule of dates through August (No July)
- Dates: Feb. 16 and March 16 . April 7. May 15. June 7 and Aug(TBA).
- Time: Fridays 9:00am to 11:00am
- Cost: $225. Set of three, paid in advanced.
- Enroll at : assistant.dtila@gmail.com
- Ongoing supervision group (requires a six month commitment)
Things to Note for DTILA Classes:
- Most classes and meetings are held virtually over Zoom, unless noted.
- Specific classes adhere to all standards and professional ethics of CAMFT and satisfy continuing education requirements for LMFT, LCSW, and LPCCs.
- Specific classes are approved by the American Psychology Association for continuing education requirements (CE). These classes are monitored collaboratively by DTILA and The Creative Arts Therapies Center.
- For more information on how classes offered can help you meet your own continuing education requirements email assistant.dtila@gmail.com