Session 1 Workshops
9:00am-12:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm (Session #1)
Dying as a Rite of Passage:
Using Drama Therapy to Navigate End of Life and Bereavement
Trisha Jauchler, MS, MA, RDT/BCT
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Dying as a Rite of Passage: Using Drama Therapy to navigate end of life and bereavement.
This didactic and experiential workshop explores the use of Drama Therapy and other creative approaches in facilitating a peaceful death, and supporting healing for the bereaved. Participants will learn of changing attitudes about end of life care and treatment, the healing ritual of the home funeral, how Drama Therapy can support a person in achieving goals specific to dying, and tools to help those grieving the loss of a loved one.
PRESENTER: Through On Bright Wings, Trisha leads drama therapy workshops and classes for end of life guidance, support, and education. She is an RDT/BCT and trained Death Midwife, and has worked as an RDT for over 25 years. She is an adjunct professor at the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, and an instructor in the Pathway Program at UCLA Extension.
9:00am-12:00pm (Session #1)
Transform Your Life Script Drama Therapy Workshop
Jennifer Stuckert-Knapp, LMFT
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Our life scripts or personal narratives help us organize and make sense of who we are and how we relate to others and the world; they’re based on our past experiences, present awareness, and understanding of future possibilities. Sometimes, we get stuck in unhelpful patterns and it’s time to update or expand our life scripts—so that we can make empowering and life-affirming choices! In this experiential drama therapy workshop, participants will learn techniques and processes to support individuals in exploring and externalizing their personal narrative, clarifying desired change, and visualizing and embodying reparative steps towards integrating change. Various techniques will be addressed and utilized, including drama therapy exercises, psychodrama, and a brief culminating enactment or ritual.
PRESENTER: Jennifer Stuckert-Knapp, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#86073), is an associate of the Living Arts Counseling Center. She is passionate about helping individuals and couples embody their authentic selves, deepen their capacity for intimacy, transform sexual shame and negative body image, and cultivate their capacity to experience playfulness and pleasure. She received her MA in drama therapy from CIIS and certificate in sex therapy from the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program.
www.jenniferstuckert-knapp.com
9:00am-12:00pm (Session #1)
Expressive Remix Workshop:
Using Digital Media Art as a Therapeutic Intervention
Jeffrey Jamerson, MA, PhD cand.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
The Expressive Remix Workshop is designed to give participants a theoretical and practical approach on how to use digital media art with clients. Digital media technology is an evolving force that permeates many aspects of life. For today’s children and adolescents navigating this digital change is second nature. However, is traditional therapy keeping pace with the expediency of this digital change? This workshop will provide participants with examples of digital resources (apps, software, & new media) and explore how to use these resources as a therapeutic intervention when working with children and adolescents.
PRESENTER: Jeffrey Jamerson has over 20 years of experience in the public sector. He has served at-risk youth in various capacities, most recently as the VP of Programs and Services at Aviva Family and Children Services in Hollywood, CA. Hoping to create a shift in how therapy is conducted with foster children, he has integrated Narrative and Expressive Arts modalities with Digital Media Art, which he calls Expressive Remix Therapy.
9:00am-12:00pm (Session #1)
Celebrating Possibilities of the Present Moment Through Narradrama
Pam Dunne, PhD, RDT-BCT
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
This is an experiential workshop in which participants begin with a mindfulness exercise in which they visualize, externalize and draw a place where they are most themselves. They explore this place through music and sounds and form groups to create living sculptures to celebrate their dreams and connections. They also create a photographic telling of their stories. Then, participants continue with a mindfulness exercise in which they imagine themselves interacting with their strength in the room. This expands into externalization through movement and masks. In closing, participants create a possibility map and group ritual to celebrate their futures.
PRESENTER: Pam Dunne, PhD, RDT/BCT, Director of the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles; Professor Emeritus of Music, Theatre & Dance Department at CSULA. The pioneer of narradrama, Dr. Dunne’s recent work includes the books, Narrative Therapist and the Arts, Narradrama, Double Stick Tape and her film, Exploring Narradrama. Dr. Dunne has conducted extensive international workshops, served as NADTA President, and Executive Director of the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles. In 2014, Dr. Dunne was selected as the recipient of the NADTA Teaching Excellence Award.
9:00am-12:00pm (Session #1)
Dance of the Doshas: A Yoga Practice for Self Care
Kathy Cass MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CYT, E-RYT 500
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Learn to identify your dosha; your unique body/mind constitution and “unmask your true character” through the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda.
This active practice will include creative visualization, postures, breathing, and meditation techniques. NO previous Yoga experience required. Please bring a mat or large towel and wear loose comfortable clothing.
PRESENTER: Kathy Cass MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CYT, E-RYT 500 is a dance/movement and ayurvedic yoga therapist. Kathy is a faculty member at Santa Monica College, El Camino College, Center for Movement Education and Research and UCLArts and Healing. She maintains a private practice in Santa Monica. She has worked as a movement/choreography consultant for Pacific Resident Theater and Salty Shakespeare Company.