Psychodrama Training Intensive: 2024

Each 3-day psychodrama training intensive will offer 25 hours of in-depth learning and practice of the psychodramatic method, philosophy, and technique. Action exercises and psychodrama enactments will be balanced with didactic and processing to provide a full learning experience. Psychodrama Training Intensives offer unique and special learning experiences that truly support professional self care. In addition to gaining a specialized clinical skill set, participants also gain a uniquely supportive professional community in the process. This is offered 4 times a year, participants can choose to attend once or each time. 

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of psychodramatic structure: warm-up, action, and sharing.
• Verbalize an understanding of psychodramatic theory (i.e. sociometry, role, creativity & spontaneity theory).
• Discuss aspects of psychodrama philosophy i.e. Catharsis of integration, “here & now”, child development, etc.
• Explain and implement a social atom exercise to formulate a clinican hypotheses and treatment plan with clients.
• Discuss and demonstrate directing skills (i.e. determining a therapeutic hypothesis, setting clinical goals, identifying act hungers, open tensions, and central concern).
• Demonstrate an understanding of doubling, mirroring and role reversal techniques.
• Utilize action techniques for assessment, intervention, and evaluation purposes.
• Discuss how sociometry is used to address issues of group dynamics.
• Demonstrate the ability to process a psychodrama sessions using correct terminology (i.e act hunger, open tension system, double, catharsis of abreaction, sociometry, status nescendi, etc.)
• Verbalize the differences between catharsis of abreaction and catharsis of integration
• Identify groups with which psychodrama can be used and adapted to the needs of specific populations.

Presented by Scottie Urmey, LCSW, TEP:

"Scottie" is a licensed clinical social worker and board certified trainer, educator, and practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy with over 25 years of training and experience. “Scottie’s” clinical applications of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy follow her career; inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), adult partial hospital, community based, and presently in private practice with adults, children, couples and families. Scottie is listed as an approved clinical supervisor by NASW-NJ and presently teaches the required 20-hour clinical supervision course at Monmouth University, School of Social Work, Professional Education Program. She has been presenting educational workshops and seminars locally and nationally on the topic of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy since 2007. Scottie is the founder of Psychodrama New Jersey, an institute of education, training, professional development and psychotherapy practice. Scottie is currently a board director of the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry, & Group Psychotherapy. She is frequently an adjunct professor of Monmouth University’s Professional Counseling Department and School of Social Work. Scottie received the 2014 Alumni of the Year Award from Monmouth University School of Social Work, the 2014 Volunteer Award from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, and the ASGPP 2016 Collaborators Award for her contribution to the learning and practice of psychodrama with her long-time colleague Ron Collier, LCSW, TEP. Most recently, Scottie has co-authored research related to sociodrama which was published in the 2020 Special Edition of Social Work Practice with Groups journal.

Participant Information:  Intensive training includes students and professionals with various educational and professional backgrounds ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels. Some advanced participants may be seeking certification hours while intermediate or beginner participants may seek training for professional development or skill building purposes. Those involved in the study or practice of Social Work, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Expressive Arts Therapies, Art Therapy, Dance/ Movement Therapy, Drama Therapy, or Music Therapy will benefit from this intensive training.

Accommodations: PNJ hope to create a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment. Psychodrama training uses an adult learning model, intended to be less hierarchical, so education and learning flows from all available resources. Participants are encouraged to let us know about their different learning needs and goals so that we can best nurture your educational experience. To inquire into accommodations for special needs or disability please contact the registrar, Patricia Hannah, at 732-686-9427 or Patricia@PsychodramaNJ.com. COVID-19 Updates: Psychodrama New Jersey is taking the journey through the uncharted terrain of psychodrama in a pandemic world with great caution. To that end, Psychodrama New Jersey will strictly follow state regulations and CDC recommendations to keep risk low. Please keep in mind low risk is not the same as no risk. Covid-19 vaccination is not required to participate but participants must be willing to follow CDC recommendations and be willing to test 3 days prior and 3 days following the event.

Grievances: If anyone is left unsatisfied with the program or instruction, they may contact Scottie Urmey at 732-686-9427 or lscotturmeylcsw@comcast.net.

Refunds: Full refunds are given for cancellations made 2 weeks before the start of the event. Cancellations made with less than 2 weeks notice will be refunded minus $75 cancellation fee. Refund requests should be submitted in writing and directed to Patricia Hannah at 732-686-9427 or Patricia@PsychodramaNJ.com. No refunds are offered for cancellations after the event has begun. This intensive training requires a commitment to attend the full 3-day experience. However, if Psychodrama New Jersey cancels training sessions due to local government requirements and CDC guidelines presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, full refunds will be issued.

Out of town guests: Information about local overnight accommodations and restaurants are provided by request. Please contact the registrar, Patricia Hannah, at 732-686-9427 or Patricia@PsychodramaNJ.com for information.