Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles

Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles At the forefront of drama therapy, narrative and creative arts, DTILA offers CE's and training for m

The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles is accredited by the North American Drama Therapy Association as a training program for students and clinicians interested in the clinical applications of drama in therapy. The DTILA is a recognized and well-respected program at the forefront of drama, narrative and creative arts therapy training, and offers a certificate in drama therapy. On-going classes and day intensives are available for graduate-level students and professionals.

• At the forefront of drama, narrative and creative arts therapy training
• Certificate Program in Drama Therapy
• Required and elective classes in drama therapy and psychology
• Approved Alternative Training Option for NADT
• CEUs offered (CE Provider # PCE- 3906)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)
Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASW)
Marriage and Family Therapist Interns (IMF)

Big news is on the horizon! Our Summer Abroad Program continues, and we’ll soon be announcing the next destination along...
09/23/2025

Big news is on the horizon! Our Summer Abroad Program continues, and we’ll soon be announcing the next destination along with details on how to join us. Stay tuned for your chance to learn, grow, and explore in community this summer!

✨ Narradrama Training Program ✨The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, proudly founded by Dr. Pamela Dunne, the orig...
09/13/2025

✨ Narradrama Training Program ✨
The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, proudly founded by Dr. Pamela Dunne, the originator of Narradrama, offers an in-depth pathway into this powerful approach.

Our 11-unit comprehensive training program, led by Dr. Dunne and a team of esteemed faculty and certified Narradrama Trainers, provides an immersive learning experience that bridges theory and practice.

-Upon successful completion of the units and internship hours, participants earn the designation of Narradrama Facilitator, a recognition of both training and applied skill.

If you’re ready to explore a therapeutic process that combines narrative, drama, and creativity to deepen healing and connection, we invite you to learn more: https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/narradrama-training-program/

Unlock the Power of Groups in TherapyAre you ready to deepen your understanding of group psychotherapy and transform the...
08/26/2025

Unlock the Power of Groups in Therapy

Are you ready to deepen your understanding of group psychotherapy and transform the way you work with clients?

Join us for our Group Psychotherapy course - a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of facilitating groups, grounded in Yalom’s interpersonal and integrative approach.

Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28; Oct. 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16; Dec. 7, 14
Time: 9 AM – 12:30 PM PDT (PST after Nov. 2)
Additional Hours: 8–11 TBA Film Hours
Instructor: Terhi Korkiakangas, Ph.D, CI. Hyp
Cost: $899

You’ll explore:
- Core principles & therapeutic factors in group therapy
- Group development stages & dynamics
- Leadership & facilitation styles
- Creative interventions for diverse populations
- Ethical issues & diversity awareness
- The power of the group as an agent of change

Through readings, experiential activities, video observations, and films, you’ll gain the tools to design, lead, and evaluate therapeutic groups that truly make a difference.

Learn more & register here: https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/fall-2025-semester-schedule/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbEn1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaTmdMNUJFNnRmWHN6WFhoAR6t6TUeUT9blfQeU4W__ENwR-Cj98EPIc1H5kAUgxrjfrfGMjVtL9kMFn2n6g_aem_Z_QHdDvjWlZq0EELK2qmKQ

Transform problems into possibilities, one step at a time.Clinical Uses of Narradrama: Narradrama Steps***Required for t...
08/24/2025

Transform problems into possibilities, one step at a time.

Clinical Uses of Narradrama: Narradrama Steps
***Required for the Narradrama Concentration***
Dates: September 7 • October 5 • November 23
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:45 PM (PDT until Nov. 2, then PST)
Cost: $338
Additional Learning: 2 hours Film/Article + 1 hour TBA

Facilitator: Ksenia Ilinskaya, MA, NF, NT

What if your clients could step into their own story and rewrite it?
This experiential training will immerse participants in the 9 Narradrama Steps, integrating creative arts and narrative approaches to help clients:
- Externalize problems and gain perspective
- Explore personal agency and build resilience
- Recognize and amplify strengths
Through specialized techniques such as multi-level narratives, double listening, and sensory-rich environments, attendees will learn how to adapt Narradrama for different clinical populations and settings.

Ideal for:
- Drama Therapists & Creative Arts Therapists
- Counselors, Psychotherapists, & Social Workers
- Psychologists & Mental Health Practitioners
- Educators, Coaches, & Group Facilitators
- Students in mental health or expressive arts therapy programs

This course blends theory, embodiment, and practical tools, equipping you to bring fresh, creative methods into your work with individuals and groups.

Register here: https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/fall-2025-semester-schedule/

What if one story could change everything? In Transformational Stories & Pivotal Moments, you’ll learn to guide clients ...
08/20/2025

What if one story could change everything?

In Transformational Stories & Pivotal Moments, you’ll learn to guide clients from problem-saturated narratives to stories of power, possibility, and hope using Narradrama.

Sept. 6, 13 & 20 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM PDT
With Pam Dunne, Ph.D, RDT, BCT, NT
$338

Perfect for:
- Therapists, coaches, expressive arts practitioners, NADTA alternative track students
- Educators, facilitators, and youth workers
- Anyone working in trauma-informed care or with diverse communities
- Storytellers who want to inspire transformation

Through hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to:
✨ Spot pivotal moments that spark change
✨ Facilitate re-storying for lasting transformation
✨ Help clients reclaim agency and identity

Spots are limited- secure yours now!
https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/fall-2025-semester-schedule/

Fall 2025 Semester - Drama Therapy Institute of Los AngelesThis fall, deepen your skills, expand your creative toolkit, ...
08/13/2025

Fall 2025 Semester - Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles
This fall, deepen your skills, expand your creative toolkit, and learn from leading experts in drama therapy, Narradrama, and group work. Whether you’re a mental health professional, educator, or creative arts therapist in training, our courses offer experiential, research-informed learning you can apply immediately.

Core Classes (3 Units)
🎭 Principles of Drama Therapy
Sept. 27–Nov. (includes one TBA date) | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM PDT/PST
Instructor: Pam Dunne, Ph.D., RDT/BCT, NT
Explore fundamental drama therapy approaches including Role Theory, Narradrama, Integrative 5 Phase, Transpersonal, DVT, Ethnodramatherapy, and Insight Improvisation—plus psychodramatic techniques, masks, puppets, and more.

🤝 Group Psychotherapy
Sept. 14- Dec. 14 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PDT/PST
Instructor: Terhi Korkiakangas, Ph.D., CI. Hyp
A comprehensive introduction to Yalom’s interpersonal and integrative group psychotherapy approach, with an emphasis on group dynamics, cohesion, and creative interventions.

15-Hour Classes (1 Unit)
📖 Transformational Stories & Pivotal Moments
Sept. 6–20 | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM PDT
Instructor: Pam Dunne, Ph.D., RDT/BCT, NT
Learn to identify and expand transformational client stories through Narradrama, moving from problem-saturated narratives to preferred ones.

🎨 Clinical Uses of Narradrama: Narradrama Steps
Sept. 7–Nov. 23 | 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM PDT/PST
Instructor: Ksenia Ilinskaya, MA, NF, NT
Experience and apply the 9 Narradrama steps to help clients externalize problems, discover agency, and access strengths.

8-Hour Classes (.5 Unit)
🎭 Therapeutic Improvisation: Knowing What to Play
Aug. 24 & 31 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PDT
Instructor: Rachel Brousseau, LMFT, RDT, BCT, NT
Adapt improv games and scenes for therapeutic goals across clinical and educational settings.

🛡 Narradrama Approaches to Addiction, Accountability, & the Protector Within
Sept. 19 | 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
Instructors: Kamran Afary, Ph.D., RDT/BCT, NT & Cassandra Ambe, MA, NF
Use Narradrama to engage clients in transformation, exploring identity, accountability, and resilience.

⚖ Embodying Ethics: Navigating Uncertainty Through Drama Therapy
Dec. 6 & 13 | 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM PST
Instructors: Kamran Afary, Ph.D., RDT/BCT, NT & Lynn Baker-Nauman, MA, LMFT, RDT
An embodied, creative approach to navigating moral dilemmas, power, and care in uncertain times.

Why DTILA?
Learn from renowned leaders in the field
Apply drama therapy techniques across diverse populations
Engage in experiential, hands-on training
Connect with a creative professional community

Registration is now open - spaces are limited.
Visit https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/fall-2025-semester-schedule/ to view the full course details and secure your spot.

Check out this dual-instructor class taught by our wonderful instructors, Dr. Afary and Ms. Baker-Nauman, about how to e...
06/25/2025

Check out this dual-instructor class taught by our wonderful instructors, Dr. Afary and Ms. Baker-Nauman, about how to embody ethics to respond to uncertain times through drama therapy.
To learn more about and sign up for this class, click on the following link: https://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/fall-2025-semester-schedule/

Please join us for Clinical Uses of Narradrama: Narradrama Steps with Ksenia Ilinskaya, MA, NF, NTDates: April 27; May 4...
03/25/2025

Please join us for Clinical Uses of Narradrama: Narradrama Steps with Ksenia Ilinskaya, MA, NF, NT
Dates: April 27; May 4, 18 and 25
Time: 9 am (PST) to 12:30 pm (PST)
Cost: $338
All classes are virtual!

Please join us on April 6 and 13, 2025 for our new workshop on embodying safety through somatic pratices!
03/25/2025

Please join us on April 6 and 13, 2025 for our new workshop on embodying safety through somatic pratices!

Don't miss this SPECIAL POPULATIONS class with Cynthia Kelvin! Description below.SIGN UP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/...
12/14/2024

Don't miss this SPECIAL POPULATIONS class with Cynthia Kelvin! Description below.

SIGN UP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/240606677947166
VIEW FULL WINTER SCHEDULE: http://www.dramatherapyinstitutela.com/winter-2025-semester-schedule/

Drama Therapy with Adolescents
Date: January 12
Time: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm (PST)

TBA Time: 1 hour
Cost: $169
Facilitator: Cynthia Kelvin. PsyD, RDT

This course explores how drama therapy and other expressive arts therapy techniques can be utilized in the treatment of adolescents. Participants will be introduced to drama and expressive arts interventions for some common presenting issues among adolescents, such as anxiety, depression, exploration and formation of identity, and challenges associated with both peer and adult relationships. Relevant research findings, theoretical orientations, and case examples will be discussed.

Through experiential exercises using projective tools and embodied expressions, participants will explore practical and potential applications of drama and other expressive arts in assisting adolescent clients in developing emotion regulation skills, adaptive coping, and pro-social skills while cultivating a healthy self-image.

11/19/2024

Need Ethics credit? Don't miss Kamran Afary's Transformational Justice, Narradrama, & Ethics class on December 1st and 8th!

SIGN UP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/233017337264048

Transformational Justice, Narradrama, & Ethics
Dates: December 1 and 8
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30pm ( PST)
Cost: $169
Teacher: Kamran Afary. MA, MFT, RDT, NT
Additional: 1 hour arranged

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 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.

*This class is approved for CHED.

10/29/2024

Alternate Training Students: Don't miss the Core Class of CREATIVE DRAMA, taught by our very own Pamela Dunne!

SIGN UP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/233017337264048

Creative Drama
Dates:, Nov. 9 and 16, Dec. 7, Dec 14
Time: 9:30 to 3:30 pm ( PST) (30 minute lunch break)
Additional Hours: Self- Study, Lab, and Film hour-TBA ( 23)
Zoom, and possibility of Hybrid

Cost: $899 (PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE)
Instructor: Pam Dunne, Ph.D, RDT, BCT, NT

Participants will explore the theory and practice of creative drama in educational and therapeutic settings and discover creative methods of developing story dramatization, ongoing drama, pantomime and theatre games and apply learning to drama therapy. They will experiment with linear and process approaches to creative drama and create projects centered around social action, drama therapy and performance art. Class projects and exercises will be applied to educational, community, and clinical settings.

Address

3205 Ocean Park Boulevard Suite 240
Santa Monica, CA
90405

Telephone

+13102262865

Website

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