"The soul loves to hear what it already knows."
                             - Wayne Muller

Greetings and blessings to you all.

I chose the above quote because I have become increasingly aware that when we take the time to listen deeply, our souls know the truth. I often feel that my work as a psychotherapist is helping people remember what they already know. As I read more about how the brain works, I develop a deeper understanding of how and why we humans need constant reminders about what is important, what is sacred, what path to follow. We are easily triggered, responding from past habits or become distracted and lose our way. Yet, in our quiet moments, when we listen to the inner silence, as one client so beautifully put it, our soul resonates with a deep truth that has always been there, waiting to be remembered.

As many of you know, I am a Certified Practitioner of Psychodrama (CP), which is a credential awarded by the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. I have recently also completed the long process of becoming a certified  Trainer, Educator and Practitioner (TEP) of psychodrama. I value psychodrama because through it I personally have experienced a connection to the wisdom of my soul and have witnessed many others move from confusion and fear to a centered deep-knowing soul place. Sometimes it feels like magic. Psychodrama is a powerful technique that taps into our imaginations, creativity and spontaneity. I am excited by the new depth my work has taken as my understanding and knowledge increase.

I was interviewed by Steven Winn of the SF Chronicle for an article on the healing power of the arts (7/24/03, Section E-1). He asked, as many people do, about the differences between psychodrama and drama therapy. There have been many professional articles and discussions debating this. Briefly, psychodrama theory and methodology were developed by Jacob L. Moreno, a psychiatrist and improvisational theater director.

The first psychodrama was enacted in Vienna in 1925. The National Association of Drama Therapy was formed in 1979 by actors/clinicians coming together with an eclectic mix of theories and methodologies. Both psychodrama and drama therapy use dramatic enactment as a vehicle for growth. Some now consider psychodrama to be one approach to drama therapy. I like blending aspects of psychodrama, drama therapy, art, movement and sandplay, co-creating with my clients as our work together unfolds.

If you would like to discuss any of my services, please feel free to contact me.

- Sylvia Israel, MFT, RDT/BCT, CP/PAT

IMAGINE! Center for Creativity and Healing