"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 Trainer, Educator and Practitioner (TEP) of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. This Certification is awarded by the American Board of Examiners of Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy.

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 1921. 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