In this experiential workshop, pioneering trauma researcher and author of The Body Keeps the Score Bessel van der Kolk and somatic educator and co-founder of the Trauma Research Foundation Licia Sky apply psychodrama and theater techniques to create virtual experiences of safety, belonging, and protection. While trauma treatment tends to focus on “What happened to you?” the most relevant questions for many people are most likely, “Who was there for you?” and “Why did nobody notice and protect me?” Many therapists try to provide clients with “corrective emotional experiences” to help with early life deficits. Sadly, that entails the wrong person at the wrong time and the wrong place.

In this workshop, we will collectively observe our internal maps and practice ways they can be revised through interactive movement, touch, and auditory and visual input in three-dimensional space. Psychodrama techniques based on the work of Albert Pesso and other theater interventions (described in detail in Chapter 18 of The Body Keeps the Score) can provide participants deep experiences to create new inner realities.  

Participants should be prepared to help fellow workshop members by actively participating in creating new realities. This experiential workshop is limited to 25 participants. Participants will be expected to have done their own personal work.

The application for this workshop is now CLOSED. We are no longer accepting submissions. All applications that have already been received will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of next steps.