The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles is pleased to announce our Spring semester classes for 2026. Whatever you are looking for, DTILA is the place to find moments of learning like community-based approaches, promoting holistic well-being, and creative practices to change the therapeutic story!
View our Website Here: The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles
Registration is Now Open: Spring Semester 2026
Abroad Program (Local residents of Copenhagen) Registration: Local DTILA/CTC Copenhagen
Abroad Program DTILA/CTC Registration( Participants from US and Other countries) :DTILA/CTC Copenhagen
Spring/ Summer and 2026 DTILA offered courses March- June:
Transformational Stories and Pivotal Moments:
Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
Dates: April 4, 11 and 18
Time(s): First Meeting(April 4): 9:30am to 1:30pm. Second Meeting(April 11): 9:30am to 3:30pm and Final Meeting(April 18): 9:30am to 12:00pm (All times in PST)
Credits: 1 unit (TBA arranged hours 2+)
Cost: $338
Class Information:
Explore the use of story in Narradrama through a transformational lens by examining narratives such as: unique outcome, identity change, healing relationship, as well as, possibility and power. Participants explore through experiential exercises exploring ways to expand and develop transformational stories and move from problem- saturated stories to more preferred ones through a re-storying process. Participants will also explore pivotal moments which bring positive entry ways into personal stories for the client, which show agency and hope.
Sociodrama and Advanced Psychodramatic Techniques:
Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
Dates: April 18, 25. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6
Time(s): First Meeting(April 18): 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Additional Meetings(April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and June 6): 9:30am to 2:30pm (All times in PST)
Lunch Break: 30 minutes
Credits: 3 units (TBA arranged hours 7+)
Cost: $899
Class Information:
This course focuses on sociodrama and advanced psychodramatic techniques based on the work of Jacob Moreno and contributions of international leaders in the field. In Sociodrama, participants will explore empty chair sociodrama, pre-rehearsed dramaturgy, dramatic multiplication as well as, living newspaper,
re-plotting and other specialized techniques for sociodrama. Attendees will also explore psychodramatic techniques of living sculpture, psychodramatic interviewing, role reversal, mirrors, and other advanced psychodramatic techniques along with sociometric techniques (i.e. spectrograms, locograms). Selected videos and targeted assignments will assist participants in planning and facilitating these processes in community, education, business, and in other settings.
Exploring the Enneagram through Drama Therapy and Authentic Movement:
Facilitator: Pam Paulson M.A., LMFT, RDT-NT
Dates: April 19 and 26
Time: 11:45am to 3:15pm
Credits: .5 Unit (TBA 1 hour video/article)
Cost: $169
Class Information:
In this experiential workshop, we’ll bring the Enneagram to life through embodied exploration. Instead of simply talking about personality types, we’ll step into them—using drama therapy, improvisation, and authentic movement to explore how each Enneagram style thinks, feels, and responds under stress and in growth. Through guided exercises, scene work, and gentle movement. Participants will deepen their understanding of their own Enneagram type and core motivations by exploring patterns of behavior, defense, and longing in creative, compassionate ways. By practicing new ways of responding to familiar triggers through role play and embodied explorations, they will also cultivate empathy for other types by “trying on” their perspectives and energies. Participants will connect with inner resources such as playfulness, curiosity, and self-compassion. This workshop offers a supportive space for insight, healing, and growth through the wisdom of the body and the power of story.
Innovations in Narradrama Witnessing
Facilitator: Ksenia Ilinskaya, MA, NT
Dates: May 17 and 24
Times: 9:00am to 12:30pm (PST)
Credits: .5 Unit TBA 1 hour arranged (article/video)
Cost: $169
Class Information:
Join and experience this multi-level approach to witnessing which honors the person, the story,
and the identity. From the map of the outside witness of Michael White therapeutic witnessing
will be enlarged by using different modalities and focusing on specific aspects of the witnessing
process. The course will show the particularities of using witnessing in different stages of the
therapeutic process (in the beginning, in the middle and at the end) as well as cover the
benefits of witnessing with couples, children-parent relationships, in individual work as well as
in working with groups. Using drama for witnessing in the role of the witness, with fictional
characters as well as people from different periods of life will open space for new possibilities
and future aspirations.
Abolitionism and Narradrama: New Directions in Anti-Carceral Practice:
Facilitators: Kamran Afary Ph.D., MA, MFT, RDT, NT and Lynn Baker-Nauman LMFT, RDT
Dates: May 31 and June 7
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm (PST)
Credits: .5 Unit (TBA 1 hour video/article)
Cost: $169
Class Information:
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 ethics, 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.
Drama Therapy with Indigenous Populations
Facilitator: Renda Dionne Madrigal, PhD, RDT, NT
Dates: June 20
Time: 8:00am to 3:00pm (PST)
Credits: .5 Units (TBA 1 hour video/article)
Cost: $169
Class Information:
Participants will learn and practice specific drama and creative arts interventions (based on Narradrama) to deepen understanding of the intergenerational impact of history, colonization, and oppression on Indigenous communities, health, and well-being, apply embodied mindfulness-based compassion practices that can be used by providers to work with obstacles to care such as internalized oppression and compassion fatigue, and develop an understanding of the relationship of cultural practices such as storytelling and arts to activism and healing. By practicing these approaches, participants will increase the possible methods of therapeutic intervention and communication.
Abroad Program in Copenhagen:
Facilitators: Pamela Dunne Ph.D, RDT-BCT, NT Founder and Director, Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, Kamran Afary, Ph.D, RDT-BCT, NT Associate Director Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, and Terhi K. Korkiakangas Ph.D, Cl.Hyp
Dates: July 5 to July 11
Credits: Credits given for CHED and NADTA CE’s
Trip Schedule: July 5: (check-in 4:00 pm) Welcome session 5:00–7:00 pm + social hour with snacks & beverages
July 6–11: Workshops daily, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (with lunch break)
Field Trip: A day in King’s Park – statues, gardens, and integrated drama therapy exercises (schedule differs this day)
July 12: Departure (check-out by 12:00 pm)
Tuition: $2550
Deposit: $400 to hold your spot
(Travel insurance is required. No refunds after April)
Friends/partners accompany participants: Space is extremely limited. Inquire immediately for availability and cost.
Accommodations:
Stay in a beautifully restored villa on a quiet street in the outskirts of Copenhagen.
Just 15 minutes from the city center by metro
Shared rooms (first-come basis)
Peaceful, authentic Danish living
What You’ll Experience:
Reclaim a sense of authenticity in a world where trust and connection feel fragile
Deepen nervous system awareness through practices that cultivate safety, grounding, and flexibility.
Awaken creative resilience with tools drawn from poetry, story, and performance.
Experiment with role, voice, and embodiment to expand personal and professional expression.
Translate creative processes into practice – gain facilitation and coaching techniques adaptable to therapy, education, and group work.
Engage in reflective community spaces that nurture vulnerability, belonging, and shared discovery.
Expand your practice and understanding of polyvagal theory and interpersonal Neurobiology.
Leave renewed and resourced – grounded in authenticity, creative confidence, and connection.
Independent Study: Ethics and the Law:
Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Credits: 1 Unit
Cost: $338
Independent Study Information:
Independent studies are more student-led and often with the goal of completing a research project. Meetings will be scheduled on the days and times when the facilitator and the student’s schedules match. Meetings are not mandatory like classes but are rather designed for the facilitator to help the students in their research projects and for students to learn from other students. (time is PST)
Supervision: (for Mental Health Professionals and AT students:
Facilitator: Pam Dunne Ph.D., RCT-BCT, NT
Dates: March 16 9:00am to 11:00am, April 17, May 16, and June 1 9:00am to 11:00am (PST)
New dates will be announced in June for August.
Supervision Information:
Students that are already enrolled in the Alternative Training Program through NADTA
and are currently seeing clients, may sign up for Group Supervision with Pamela Dunne. Dates of supervision are determined by the members, but are generally held once a month on a pre-determined Monday/Friday morning from 9am – 11am PST (see above information). To request enrollment in Supervision, please email assistant.dtila@gmail.com.
Things to Note for DTILA Classes:
Most classes and meetings are held virtually over Zoom, unless noted.
Specific classes adhere to all standards and professional ethics of CAMFT and satisfy continuing education requirements for LMFT, LCSW, and LPCC’s.
Specific classes are approved by the American Psychology Association for continuing education requirements (CE). These classes are monitored collaboratively by DTILA and The Creative Arts Therapies Center.