Topic: Grand Opening: Co-masters of the Ceremony: Samuel Yie (South Korea), Monica Munoz (United States) & Mina Zivkovic (Serbia)
Presenter: Description: The Tele'Drama Conference's Grand Opening event is a celebration of both previous and new connections, fostering a sense of togetherness among participants. It serves as an international sociometry experience and a warm-up for the entire conference.

In past years, the Grand Opening has taken participants to amazing places of imagination and experiences that seem impossible in a virtual space—such as entering "magic portals," flying around the world on a special plane with a captain and caring stewardesses, witnessing synchronized sand art, tango couples dancing together despite being miles apart, relaxing in a spa, attending a concert in a grand hall, exploring a magic library, or even traveling through time to the past and future.

What surprises will this year's three incredible Masters of Ceremony - Samuel Yie (South Korea), Monica Munoz (United States) & Mina Zivkovic (Serbia) - bring? Join us from around the world, whether with your group or on your own, to experience another masterpiece of creativity—years in the making—that showcases the endless and borderless possibilities Tele'Drama brings to the virtual and hybrid space. This event offers a sneak peek into the innovative and exciting experiences that await at the conference.

We have invited participants from around the globe to join this opening event for free, including the following exciting demonstration by Dr. Daniela Simmons, the creator of Tele'Drama and the concept of co-creating Fusional InterReality.

Topic: Keynote: Another Step Closer to Ultimate Inclusion and Connection: Bridging People, Time, and Space – A Live Demonstration of the Tele'Drama Hybrid Fusional InterReality Methodology for Transformative Psychotherapy and Education; Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP
Presenter: Description: Dr. Daniela Simmons, the creator of the Tele'Drama method and the International Institute, began experimenting with various action and experiential methods online in her psychodrama groups and with colleagues and students at universities in the North Texas area. Since 2012, she has been practicing real-time group work on several platforms and coined the term and patented the concept in 2017, choosing Zoom Telecommunication as the platform of choice.

The Tele'Drama International Institute was born to welcome participants from over 80 countries worldwide, with a primary mission to offer opportunities for international networking, training, and education. Tele'Drama International was well-developed and ready to provide a comfortable, safe, and effective alternative for working, learning, meeting, and celebrating during the pandemic.In the following years, the unique International Tele'Drama Virtual Center—a well-equipped platform for online work with multiple virtual rooms, apps, and translation capabilities—became home to training programs, conferences, symposiums, festivals, celebrations, public events, certification programs, and support groups.

Colleagues from around the world, often referred to as the Tele'Drama Dream Team, co-created and hosted an amazing, innovative, well-organized, and welcoming environment for effective and powerful work in the virtual space.

In early 2021, Dr. Simmons announced her latest major innovation: the Tele'Drama Fusional InterReality, a powerful hybrid methodology for co-creating multi-dimensional scenes where groups and individuals connecting from around the world can equally participate in the experiential process, rather than having some be active and others mere observers. 
Learning Objectives: In this opening session, Dr. Simmons will demonstrate one of the applications of this powerful methodology. The main partnering group for this demonstration will be a psychodrama training group gathered in North Macedonia, led by Svetlana Iloski, a Certified Clinical Psychologist and Psychodrama Therapist, EMDR specialist, and a Level 3 participant in the Tele'Drama Certification Program. Dr. Simmons will also include the other groups and individuals present at the session, ensuring a fully interactive and inclusive experience.

Topic: Creating the Holding Environment - Integrating Sociometry and Group Process with Mindful-Awareness Practices; Jaye Moyer, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: In this hour, we are going to cover a short introduction to Mindfulness and a guide to setting up the “Holding Environment”. We’ll start with a guided practice. Then we’ll make symbolic offerings in support of our hearts and our intention to foster community. We’ll take time for sharing among the groups. This hour offers supportive 'hand holds' meant to foster presence and join our hearts, regardless of the distance between us.


 
Learning Objectives: The presenter, Jaye Moyer, will have a group in Beacon, NY, United States, and will co-create a powerful hybrid experience with colleagues, connecting internationally.

Topic: The Mirroring Experience In The Virtual Setting: Bodies And Imaginary; Domenico Agresta (Italy)
Presenter: Description: It will be shown that mirroring, besides being a tool for communication between individuals, also fulfills the basic function of developing knowledge and connections among people. For our purposes, mirroring provides this when we are in the process of intersubjectivity. Is it the same in a virtual setting? Stern (2004) sought to rethink intersubjectivity in groups in light of mirroring theory. The intersubjective relationship is based on a reading of context that is 'recursive and reiterative,' where elements such as contact, mutual gaze, sharing, and immersion into a common aesthetic and perceptual field are essential. With a short example of Analytic Autogenetic Training with Guided Views, we will attempt to experience the intersubjectivity between bodies present in the same location and those interacting through the screen.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will have his training group meet at his office in Pescara, Italy, and connect the experience with all virtually attending participants.

Topic: Empowering Your Clients to Bloom through Menopause: Psycho-Sociodramatic Explorations of the Menopausal Journey; Betty G Garrison & Maria Mellano (United States)
Presenter: Description: In this workshop we will explore in action menopause and female reproductive issues through the lens of psycho-sociodramatic techniques. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. In our practices as therapists, we may be the first ones hearing about this delicate topic. This is a sensitive subject that most are not talking about out loud. We, as therapists, are uniquely positioned to empower our clients about their own bodies, attuning them to their autonomous healing centers, and advocating for themselves with their medical providers through the use of psycho-sociodramatic techniques.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will direct from the original Moreno Stage, a historic landmark in the psychodrama community, located at Boughton Place, Highland, NY. They will co-direct the session with a live group on-site, while also engaging virtual participants from around the world. This hybrid format allows for a seamless collaboration between in-person and online attendees, creating an immersive experience that honors the profound historical significance of the Moreno Stage.

Topic: Listening to the Whisper of the Soul - Reconnecting with the Divine Within; Carlos A Raimundo, MD & Melanie Raimundo (Australia)
Presenter: Description: This workshop aims to help participants reconnect with their inner divine essence, inspired by Moreno's belief in the godhead within each of us and supported by neuroscience, which identifies the precuneus as a Life Compass. The workshop guides attendees in accessing their inner soft voice, like a whisper, often drowned out by fears, pain, and limiting beliefs. This inner guidance is critical to personal growth and self-realization. Through experiential processes, participants will learn how to listen to the subtle whisper of their soul, moving closer to their true purpose and becoming their best selves.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will connect from their homes in Australia and will work with small groups and individuals connecting from around the world.

Topic: The Emotional Playground: Expressive Arts and Action Method Techniques; Tanja Lee, PhD & Colleen Baratka, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: The themes of this workshop are recognition, self-validation, and being seen. Participants will practice using expressive arts and action method techniques to explore present-moment emotions and their relationship with different emotions. Using sociometric techniques and role reversal, this group will experience a sense of connection over shared experiences and examine individual differences in emotional expression, avoidance, and tolerance.
Learning Objectives: Tanja will be presenting from her home in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and Colleen will co-present from her home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, with a group gathered in her office.

Topic: Psychodrama & Family Therapy Applications in a Hybrid Setting; Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP; Rhona Case, TEP; Richard Case (United States)
Presenter: Description: The founder of Psychodrama, J.L. Moreno, was also named "an unrecognized pioneer of family therapy" by Compernolle in 1981. Today, psychodrama is widely applied in family therapy globally, reflecting a shared recognition with traditional family therapy of the person's social context's reality and significance, as noted by Minuchin & Fishman in 1981. The presenter will offer experiential learning on the applications of psychodrama in family therapy and on transforming family relations in a hybrid environment, providing participants with practical insights and techniques.

Topic: The Miracle Question as Surplus Reality: Marriage and Family Solution-Focused Brief Therapy; Violeta Kadieva, PhD., LMFT-S; Dione Simmons, PhD, LPC; Candice Jones, PhD, LPC (United States)
Presenter: Description: This experiential workshop will explore the use of the Miracle Question, which corresponds with the concept of Surplus Reality in Psychodrama. The Miracle Question is a key technique in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, used to help clients envision how their lives would change if their problems were miraculously solved. This technique is highly effective in helping clients identify goals and solutions, shifting their focus from problems to possibilities. The session will be conducted live from the classroom at Texas Wesleyan University, where the presenters will be working with a group of doctoral students in Marriage and Family Therapy. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations, allowing them to experience the practical application of these techniques in a dynamic learning environment.
Learning Objectives: Dr. Kadieva will lead her doctoral students in Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling in a classroom at Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX, United States. Her co-presenters will join them there. Together, they will also engage with colleagues connecting virtually from around the world, creating a comprehensive and inclusive hybrid learning experience.

Topic: Women's Roles and Challenges in the Modern World; Müjdegül Zayıfoğlu Karaca, PhD, MD (Türkiye); Nadia Naeem, PhDc (Pakistan); Hande Karakılıç Üçer, MD (Türkiye)
Presenter: Description: In many cultures, the birth of a baby girl signifies more than the arrival of a new child. Being a woman entails responsibility, family obligations, and perceived fragility. This mentality burdens women with societal expectations and roles. Our workshop will explore the various roles of women using sociodramatic methodology. We aim to give voice to these roles, providing insights into the struggles and responsibilities women face in society.You are warmly invited to join us for a multicultural sociodramatic experience focused on women's lives.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will invite colleagues, students, and trainees to their offices in their respective countries to co-create a powerful hybrid experience. This setup will also include participants from around the world, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive session for everyone involved.

Topic: Sociodrama for Women's Rights: A Multicultural Perspective; Hande Karakılıç Üçer, MD (Türkiye)
Presenter: Description: In this session, the presenter will build on the previous large group work, focusing on the exploration of collective roles within the broader context of women's rights. Participants will engage in a sociodramatic journey, representing various cultural and social roles that shape and influence collective experiences. Through this process, participants will gain deeper insights into the dynamics of group identity, power structures, and shared responsibilities in advancing gender equality across diverse cultural landscapes.

Topic: Exploring Archetypes from Indian Mythology through Psychodrama; Magdalene Jeyarathnam, PhD, CP (India)
Presenter: Description: In this engaging session, participants will embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and collective learning through the archetypes from Indian mythology. Leveraging the powerful method of psychodrama, attendees will interact with the symbolic characters and epic narratives found in ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These mythological figures not only mirror universal human experiences, emotions, and conflicts but also serve as gateways to deep personal insights. Through the process of embodying these characters in psychodramatic enactments, participants will uncover valuable understandings about their own lives, addressing both personal and collective dimensions of their experiences.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will simultaneously work with two groups of trainees, one in Chennai and one in Mumbai, as well as with participants joining online.

Topic: Timeless Threads: Bridging Ancient Traditions and Modern Realities; Daniela Tahirova, Liliya Radeva Mireva, Gabriela K. Mancheva, Valentina Hristova, Zhaneta Nikolova and others @ Tele'Drama (Bulgaria)
Presenter: Description: Join us for a unique hybrid psychodrama experience that delves into the rich tapestry of old Bulgarian traditions and their relevance in today's global context. Our session will transport participants into various meticulously crafted scenes that capture the essence of Bulgaria's historical ambiance. This interactive demonstration will explore how ancient customs continue to inform and enrich our contemporary lives.This experience also fosters connections among diverse groups within Bulgaria, including a protected café group tailored for neurodivergent individuals and those with mild intellectual disabilities, as well as an amateur ensemble dedicated to Bulgarian folk songs. Together, we will examine how folklore acts as a crucial bridge, connecting people and communities across time. This celebration of cultural heritage highlights folklore’s enduring role in uniting individuals and fostering community cohesion, making it a vibrant and essential element of modern society.

Topic: Lullabies of the Heart: A Psychodrama Journey through Cultures and Emotions; Bojana GluŠac Draslar, Mirjana Stanković, Mina Živković, Svetlana Iloski, Ana Kononenko (Tele'Drama Serbia)
Presenter: Description: Join us for a unique psychodrama workshop that delves into the deep emotional and psychological significance of lullabies across different cultures. Lullabies, often the first songs we hear, carry profound emotional resonance and cultural heritage. In this workshop, participants will engage in creative and therapeutic activities, harnessing the power of these soothing melodies to foster emotional healing and cross-cultural understanding.Psychological Importance: Lullabies are more than just songs; they are potent tools for emotional regulation and bonding. This workshop will explore how these simple melodies can evoke deep emotions, provide comfort, and serve as a means for expressing and processing complex feelings.Cultural Differences: Lullabies vary widely, reflecting the diverse traditions, languages, and values of different cultures. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and share lullabies from their own backgrounds, gaining insights into how different cultures approach themes of comfort, love, and security.Goals:

1. Emotional Healing and Expression: Participants will learn to use lullabies as a medium for emotional expression and healing. Through psychodrama techniques, they will explore personal and shared narratives, facilitating a deeper understanding of their own emotional landscapes.
2. Cross-Cultural Understanding and Connection: By sharing and experiencing lullabies from various cultures, participants will foster a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and enhance their ability to connect with others on an emotional level. This will not only broaden their cultural horizons but also strengthen their empathetic skills.

Learning Objectives: The presenters will gather a group at Bojana's home in Belgrade, Serbia, for a powerful hybrid experience, together with participants from around the world connecting virtually.

Topic: A Sociodrama Presentation on Global Warming; Ron Wiener (United Kingdom)
Presenter: Description: The presenter will work with an in-person group on sociodrama focused on global warming and then invite all other groups and individually participating colleagues to observe what has been demonstrated. The setting will be a meeting room at COP29, where participants will be asked to choose roles from four different categories:a) Non-animate objects such as a tree
b) Animals, e.g., a polar bear
c) Environmental damage, e.g., a wildfire
d) Human actors, e.g., a fossil fuel CEO or XR activistAn enactor from each role will then come to this meeting, with other group members able to join as doubles. Finally, participants will have a brief time to share their experiences and consider any actions they might want to take.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will be working with a group in Belgrade, Serbia, led by Bojana Glusac Draslar.

Topic: A Spiral Journey of Renewal through Sociodrama and Playback Theatre; Leticia Nieto, PsyD, TEP (United States) & Mireya Esparza, PhD (Mexico)
Presenter: Description: A highly experiential workshop in Spanish and English exploring Joanna Macy's expanded spiral process of deep personal, collective, and ecological transformation. We will experience the arc of story, ritual, and performance while building durable and brave bonds. While we will not offer didactic content about the model, this workshop will be informed by the Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment framework. https://beyondinclusionbeyondempowerment.com/
Learning Objectives: Dr. Leticia Nieto will have a group in Olympia, WA, United States, co-creating a powerful hybrid experience with Dr. Mireya P. Ruiz Esparza and a group of colleagues gathered in Mexico City, Mexico, along with conference participants connecting from around the world.

Topic: Facilitating Collective Intelligence: Discovery and Experimentation of a New Card Game; Chantal Hanquet & Veronique Cartuyvels (Belgium)
Presenter: Description: This new card game stimulates inner attitudes, keys, and action methods to foster co-construction within groups and teams (available in English and French).Description:
This experiential workshop will allow participants to experience how the card game created by Véronique Cartuyvels helps activate attitudes, keys, and action techniques that foster co-construction and broaden the field of possibilities within groups and working teams. The workshop and the card game are based on the book Facilitating Collective Intelligence: A Handbook for Trainers, Coaches, Consultants, and Leaders (Routledge, 2019) by Chantal Nève Hanquet and Agathe Crespel.

Topic: Secret Sources Around the World: Exploring Rituals for Recharging, Emotional Connection, and Comfort in Stormy Times; Claudia Bracht & Gudrun Koch (Germany)
Presenter: Description: Secret Sources Around the World invites you to share and explore powerful rituals that help recharge your energy, connect deeply with emotions and feelings, and find comfort during life’s stormy moments. Together, we will discover practices that ground and rejuvenate, drawing from traditions and techniques across the globe to strengthen your inner resilience. This workshop offers a safe and supportive space to reconnect with yourself and gain tools to navigate challenging times.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will co-direct from their offices in Germany with small groups joining them, connecting and engaging with the international conference participants.

Topic: Grandparents' Balm Sociodrama: Unveiling Timeless Wisdom; Héctor Montalvo (Mexico)
Presenter: Description: Discover the enchanting world of "Grandparents' Balm," a board game that taps into the timeless wisdom of our ancestors to provide guidance and soothe the heart. This unique experience, born from sociodramatic work within diverse groups of the Master’s program in Emotional Intelligence in Mexico, transforms inherited wisdom into a practical, interactive format.Origin "Grandparents' Balm" features phrases and insights collected from extensive sociodramatic engagements, channeling the soothing words and profound wisdom passed down through generations.Experience Participants will engage in a transformative process starting with a calming ritual: apply a balm or essence reminiscent of your grandparents (lavender or cedar suggested for online participants) to invoke their presence and wisdom. With their memory in mind, pose a question—whether it concerns a present challenge or a longstanding issue.Gameplay Using dice, participants will navigate the board to uncover messages. The first roll determines which card to draw, each bearing a potential answer; a second roll pinpoints the specific guidance to be considered. The answers, crafted to be timeless, aim to enhance intuition and offer fresh perspectives on any query.Join us in this heartwarming workshop to reconnect with your roots and gain insights that bridge past wisdom with present dilemmas. Whether seeking guidance or curious about sociodramatic techniques, "Grandparents' Balm" offers a unique opportunity to explore emotional intelligence through the cherished voices of our grandparents.This description is tailored to set the tone for a workshop that is not only informative but also deeply personal and interactive, ideal for individuals looking to deepen their emotional insights or facilitators seeking to enrich their methodological toolbox. 
Learning Objectives: The presenter is organizing a group to meet at Casa Luz (Centro de Inteligencia Emocional) in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México. He will facilitate an engaging session that includes both in-person attendees and online participants, creating a dynamic and enriching experience.

Topic: Play Therapy for Adults: Inviting the Inner Child; Betty Garrison & Darlene Vanchura (United States)
Presenter: Description: There are therapeutic benefits to play that extend to adults as well as children. We invite you to join us in exploring how Play Therapy harnesses the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal health.Join our virtual/hybrid play therapy session for adults. You will learn how to integrate different forms of play into your sessions. Play with us as we explore play as an agent of healing for both adults and children. We will delve into various forms of play, such as dramatic play, imaginative play, humor, storytelling, role play, and more.
Learning Objectives: Both presenters will invite groups of colleagues to their respective offices — Darlene in Fort Worth, Texas, and Betty in New York, United States — for an interactive hybrid experience with participants connecting virtually.

Topic: The Lost Self: Traumatic Brain Injury, Trauma, and Identity; Colleen Baratka, TEP & Deborah Karner, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: There is a tsunami of role change after a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)/Trauma which often results in severe identity confusion and relational challenges in all systems: family; employment; legal; medical among them. This workshop will explore the responses of the mTBI and Traumatized brain to daily events and use Moreno’s role theory to contextualize individual and systems treatment.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize from a neurological perspective a person’s changed response to daily life events after experiencing an mTBI and trauma.
2. Describe how to contextualize treatment for the challenge of role change and role loss after experiencing an mTBI and trauma using Moreno’s Role Theory.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will gather groups in their offices in Philadelphia / NY.

Topic: Global Aspirations; Erica Michaels Hollander, PhD, JD, TEP & Amna Jaffer, Ed.D, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: This 60-minute experiential session will focus on sociometry related to aspirations for a better world, identifying our concerns, and working together to improve society using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Learning Objectives: Erica will invite the Denver Psychodrama Collective in Colorado, United States, to attend online. Amna will invite colleagues to join her at her office in San José, California, United States. They will also engage with groups and individuals attending from various other locations in the United States and internationally.

Topic: Mastering Emotional Burnout: Resilience Tools for High-Demand Roles; Samuel Yie & Sky Choi (South Korea)
Presenter: Description: This experiential workshop addresses emotional and mental burnout caused by high demands of emotional labor, focusing on mental health professionals and extending to other stress-exposed roles like teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, social workers, and more. Participants will explore online strategies, including psychodramatic warm-ups, spontaneity exercises, and action methods, to alleviate stress and enhance self-care. Through hands-on activities, attendees will gain practical tools to recognize, manage, and prevent burnout, fostering resilience and well-being in their professional and personal lives.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will collaborate with a group at a counseling center in South Korea and create a powerful hybrid experience, connecting with participants who are joining virtually.

Topic: Common Ground: Exploring Shared Life Roles Together: Mala Bali (India) & Cristina Hockl (Germany)
Presenter: Description: Join us for "Common Ground: Exploring Shared Life Roles Together," an interactive online workshop connecting participants worldwide via Zoom. In this engaging session, we'll delve into the personal, professional, and social roles that shape our lives. Participants will identify common roles they play—be it parent, mentor, team member, or community advocate—and choose one to explore more deeply. Through the dynamic practice of sociodrama, we'll bring these roles to life, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse backgrounds. By examining and challenging stereotypes associated with these roles, we'll promote deeper connections and break down barriers. This collaborative experience aims to build bridges, reveal shared experiences, and encourage personal growth by stepping into each other's shoes.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will be joined by colleagues at their office in Delhi, India.

Topic: Exploring the Myth of the Pierides through Psychodrama: "Transforming Hubris into Harmony - A Journey with the Muses"; Anastasia Diotima Golema (Greece)
Presenter: Description: This experiential workshop utilizes psychodrama techniques to explore the myth of the Pierides and the Muses. Over two hours, participants will engage in role-playing and dramatization, bringing the myth to life and connecting its themes to their personal experiences. The workshop's objectives are to explore themes of hubris, humility, and transformation through the myth of the Pierides by connecting participants' life experiences with the characters and events in the myth and to encourage creative expression by fostering group cohesion and mutual support.This workshop offers a blend of mythological storytelling and therapeutic exploration, helping participants transform challenges into sources of growth and harmony. We will address questions such as: How do these themes manifest in our lives? What lessons can be drawn from the Pierides’ transformation into magpies? How can the Muses inspire us to transform our own challenges into sources of strength and growth?Participants will have the opportunity to explore deep psychological themes through the lens of an ancient Greek myth, using the powerful techniques of psychodrama to foster healing and personal growth. By embodying the characters of the Pierides and the Muses, participants can confront their own challenges and emerge with new insights and a renewed sense of harmony.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will invite colleagues and students to join her at her office in Athens, Greece, for an engaging session that combines in-person and virtual participation, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive hybrid experience.

Topic: Fear of Flying; Inara Erdmanis (Latvia/Sweden)
Presenter: Description: In a symbolic sense, spontaneity and the flight of birds are closely allied.Humans have longed to fly and, at the same time, feared it since we first looked up at the sky. The very idea of flying has evoked fantasies in humankind from time immemorial.What stops us from flying? Are we afraid of falling—or crashing, as Icarus did, after flying too high and too close to the sun? Or is it that we don’t trust ourselves to master the landing? Or...?This workshop will explore our longing to fly and our fear of doing so.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will direct from her home in Stockholm, Sweden, connecting with her colleagues and a group gathered in Latvia. She will also engage with other participants who are connecting virtually. This arrangement will create a dynamic and inclusive setting, enabling interactive experiences across different locations.

Topic: Mental Fitness Huract® for Personal & Organizational Development: A Multidimentional Virtual & Hybrid Approach; Roberto Bonanomi, PsyD (Italy)
Presenter: Description: The Mental Fitness HURACT® is a proprietary theoretical model developed in years of clinical, organisational and academic experience. It is based on well-established third-generation psychological science such as ACT, Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioural and Action Methods approaches.
It has been utilised internationally since its foundation, in 2013, as a best practice in organisational change management and psychological safety. More recently, it has been adopted in individual and group coaching.
In particular, the use of Action Methods equips the model with the practical techniques that make it suitable for group-based, in-person, online and hybrid interventions.
The P.L.A.N. model allows for assessing the position of an individual in a specific context (work, sports, school, etc.) concerning the degree of well-being and awareness and provides the skills and the underlying exercise to develop psychological fitness.
The workshop will introduce the model using action and experiential methods, allowing participants to experience it and acquire the basics to practice it with their clients in a multidimensional, hybrid space.
 
Learning Objectives: Dr. Roberto Bonanomi, PsyD will be presenting from the office of HURACT® in Lugano, Switzerland, where he will gather a group of professionals from Switzerland and Italy

Topic: Why Not Celebrate? An Experiential Session on Failure and Success; Marcia Karp (United Kingdom)
Presenter: Description: Heroic failures and successes are vital learning experiences. In this session, participants will enact their worst and best moments as group and individual psychotherapists, guided by Marcia Karp. Using surplus reality, participants will consciously explore ways to improve or even worsen these moments. Group feedback will drive the enactment of improvements, while successes will be shared and analyzed to understand why they worked. Marcia Karp will engage small groups in Ukraine, integrating their experiences with the larger conference audience for a powerful, interactive exploration.
Learning Objectives: Marcia Karp has invited small groups of Ukrainian colleagues from various locations to join her for her presentation.

Topic: Journey Through Time: Live-streamed Insights from Dr. Moreno's Historical Sites
Presenter: Description: Join us for a unique hybrid virtual-in-person signature event, leveraging historical exploration with modern technology and the innovative Tele'Drama Fusional InterReality. This dynamic and educational experience brings historical insights to participants worldwide, connecting them in real time during our multifaceted conference event.This session promises to be an unforgettable journey for those fascinated by the legacy of Dr. Moreno and the field of psychodrama. With the collaboration of Tele'Drama colleagues, historical societies, and psychodrama organizations internationally, we will delve into a comprehensive exploration of Dr. Moreno’s impact.Participants will enjoy live-streamed visual representations of Dr. Moreno’s landmarks from various global locations. Additionally, Dr. Moreno's students and family members will enrich the experience by sharing personal and historical narratives, bringing to life the locations and sites pivotal to his legacy.Step into a transcendent encounter that exceeds the boundaries of time, distance, and imagination, celebrating a pioneering spirit that continues to influence the world.
Learning Objectives: We will have multiple groups in various locations—from Dr. Moreno's ancestral house in Bulgaria; Budapest, Romania, where Dr. Moreno was born and spent his early childhood; to multiple sites in Vienna, Austria, and New York, United States.

Topic: Scripture Windows: A Bibliodrama Journey with the Creators of the Method; Susan & Peter Pitzele, PhD (United States)
Presenter: Description: Peter and Susan Pitzele's work on Bibliodrama uses sociodramatic techniques to explore biblical texts. Their method invites participants to engage with sacred stories through role-playing and improvisation, linking the narratives to their personal and social contexts. One of their key publications is "Scripture Windows: Toward a Practice of Bibliodrama," which provides step-by-step exercises for this approach. Through their workshops and writings, they continue to guide others in understanding the intersection of biblical stories and real-life experiences.

Topic: Dancing with Differences: Sociometrically Connecting Our Hearts; Dena Baumgartner, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: This session invites participants to explore and embrace differences through the lens of sociometry. By "dancing" with our diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities, we create a space to connect our hearts and foster deeper understanding and empathy. Together, we will use interactive and experiential methods to map our connections, celebrate our uniqueness, and build stronger bonds within the group. This journey will help us discover how our differences can become the rhythm that unites us, creating harmony in diversity.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will work simultaneously with groups and individuals connecting from around the world, creating a powerful hybrid experience. This setup will allow for dynamic interaction and engagement across diverse global locations, enhancing the depth and reach of the session.

Topic: A Future Without Poverty: A Sociodrama Exploration; Stan Ingman, PhD; Daniela Simmons, PhD (United States)
Presenter: Description: A Future Without Poverty is a global initiative by an international non-profit organization committed to empowering communities, providing essential resources, and creating sustainable solutions to eliminate poverty. This workshop will engage participants in a collective exploration of the causes and solutions to global poverty through the method of sociodrama. Participants will embody roles such as policymakers, community leaders, and those impacted by poverty, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration. Groups from the United States and internationally will connect via Zoom for this powerful experience.
Learning Objectives: Dr. Ingman has invited several groups from different locations across the United States and internationally, including Mexico, Nepal, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Türkiye, etc.

Topic: Crossing Physical Boundaries Through Tele‘Drama: A Hybrid Experiential Workshop on Immigration; Gülşen Büyükşahin (United States)
Presenter: Description: The director will be working with a group of Turkish immigrants in Oregon and simultaneously with other immigrants connecting from various locations. The entire large group will be invited to participate in understanding the social impact of immigration. This workshop will explore the complex dynamics of immigration, including crossing physical boundaries and adapting to new environments. Through this workshop participants will have an opportunity to explore their inner strengths, connect deeply with others, and navigate the challenges of migration with resilience. It will also delve into how Tele'Drama can assist in staying connected with families and friends, overcoming loneliness and nostalgia, and addressing challenges such as cultural adaptation, identity shifts, and the search for belonging in a new country.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will invite Turkish-American friends to join her at her home in Oregon, United States, to create a powerful hybrid experience. This setup will seamlessly integrate with colleagues connecting virtually, fostering an engaging and inclusive environment for all participants.

Topic: Resiliently Rooted: How to Weather the Storms While Keeping Self and Other Connections through Story and Action; Nancy S. Scherlong & Jeanie Low (United States)
Presenter: Description: Much like trees, our rootedness to our own strengths (and our power in our interconnectedness with others) allow for our flexibility throughout life’s storms. Join us for this highly experiential workshop wherein we will experiment together (bridging the physical and virtual space) with ways to become and to stay grounded in times of stress and uncertainty, while keeping ties and growing new sustainable communities. Participants will have an opportunity to experience Tele’dramatic action methods, story, metaphor and poetry, narrative and writing. No prior training or experience is needed and one may always choose their level of participation or sharing.
Learning Objectives: Both presenters, Nancy in Norwalk, Connecticut, and Jennie in Houston, Texas, will invite colleagues and friends to their homes to co-create a powerful hybrid experience. This session will also include participants connecting virtually, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive interactive session.

Topic: Navigating Connections through Action Sociometry; Miriam Zachariah, MA, TEP (Canada) & Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: This session will harness the powerful techniques pioneered by Dr. J.L. Moreno, who recognized the transformative potential of international sociometry to uncover and influence hidden social structures within groups. Conducted online and in a hybrid format, this workshop will enable participants to explore how sociometry can effectively map out interpersonal dynamics and enhance connectivity across virtual and physical settings. Co-directed by Miriam Zachariah, who has decades of experience with sociometry, growing up learning from its creators, and applying and presenting it professionally; and Daniela Simmons, a staunch advocate for international sociometry who has spearheaded the global Tele'Drama network. This session promises to provide invaluable insights and practical tools for improving group interactions and dynamics.
Learning Objectives: Miriam will direct from her office in Canada, and Daniela will co-direct from her office in Dallas, TX, United States. They will work simultaneously with participating groups and individuals for a powerful interactive hybrid experience.

Topic: Japanese Culture and Psychodrama: "Omamori" Charms for Empowerment; Ichiro (Okkady) Okajima (Japan)
Presenter: Description: In Japan, an ancient custom involves carrying "Omamori," small bags containing good luck charms, which hold messages or pictures that pray for one's safety and health. This session explores the therapeutic process of recalling something precious—be it people, pets, belongings, or memories—that provides encouragement to overcome current challenges. Participants will engage in a psychodrama where they recall something important, place it symbolically into the charms, and listen to the messages from their charms. This powerful exercise aids in personal empowerment and emotional resilience.Participants are requested to bring a few sheets of paper and a writing instrument to the session. Please note that the presentation will be given in Japanese. For non-Japanese speakers, Zoom's translated captions will be available to ensure everyone can fully engage with the experience.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will invite colleagues and students to join him at his office in Saga City, Japan for an interactive session. This gathering aims to foster collaboration and learning in a communal environment, enhancing the overall experience.

Topic: Goddess Inside Me: Tele'Drama & Positive Psychotherapy; Valentina Hristova (Bulgaria) & Lyudmila Zlatova, PhD (Czech Republic)
Presenter: Description: In this transformative workshop, we will explore the various female archetypes that shape our lives. We all play different roles—such as the mother, warrior, lover, or sage—but often these roles are in conflict. Through creative expression and guided exercises, we’ll uncover these inner archetypes and learn how to integrate them harmoniously. Join us on a journey of self-discovery, where you’ll embrace your inner goddess, heal internal conflicts, and awaken your authentic power. This workshop is perfect for those seeking personal growth and a deeper connection with their feminine essence.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will have two groups meeting in person: Lyudmila has arranged for a group to meet in Odessa, Ukraine, and Valentina will host her group at her office in Sofia, Bulgaria. They will connect these two groups with colleagues connecting online from around the world.

Topic: Transgenerational Psychodrama and Tapping; Manuela Maciel (Portugal)
Presenter: Description: Family legacies play a direct role in the formation of emotional symptoms and can lead to repetitive patterns of behavior, such as “anniversary syndrome” or “invisible loyalty,” which are passed down from one generation to the next. Future generations preserve their loyalty and manage trauma and unresolved issues by accommodating dysfunctional patterns in their family of origin and re-enacting similar life scripts.This workshop is designed to provide an opportunity for personal exploration and professional development in a safe and supportive environment. We will engage with relevant theories and explore and experience Transgenerational Methods. Some of the clinical tools and techniques used in trauma-informed practice will be demonstrated during the workshop, including Transgenerational Psychodrama and other therapeutic methods, such as tapping (bilateral stimulation).
Learning Objectives: The presenter will have her training group meet at her office in Lisbon, Portugal, and will direct them while engaging participants virtually connecting from around the world.

Topic: Unleashing Your Inner Strengths Through Tele’Drama; Svetlana Iloski (North Macedonia)
Presenter: Description: In this interactive Tele’Drama workshop, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the strengths that define their unique identities. Through dynamic role-playing and group exercises, attendees will uncover hidden qualities, transform perceived weaknesses, and gain insights into how their strengths impact personal and professional relationships. This session offers a safe and supportive environment to celebrate individual strengths, foster deeper connections, and empower participants to navigate challenges with confidence. It's perfect for those looking to enhance self-awareness and personal growth at any stage of their journey.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will gather her psychodrama training group at the office of the Psychodrama School Amigdala in Skopje, North Macedonia, and will create a hybrid experience with the online participants.

Topic: Effective Sociodrama Warm-Up Techniques Specific to Online Directing and Collective Explorations; Pembegül İlter (Türkiye); Tihomira (Tina) Stanojević (Slovenia)
Presenter: Description: This session will demonstrate and engage participants in action, exploring effective warm-up techniques tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of directing sociodrama online, with a focus on collective explorations. Participants will learn how to effectively engage and prepare groups for sociodramatic work in virtual settings. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with practical strategies to foster group cohesion, stimulate participant readiness, and facilitate meaningful collective inquiry and reflection in an online environment.
Learning Objectives: Both presenters will co-direct from their homes in Istanbul, Türkiye, and Slovenia, gathering groups of colleagues to co-create a hybrid experience with participants connecting virtually from other international locations.

Topic: Tele'Drama for Parents: How to Deal with Emotions? ; Desislava Klochkova, Elena Petrova, Maya Maria Naydenova (Bulgaria)
Presenter: Description: Tele'Drama for Parents is a specialized educational and therapeutic workshop focusing on parenting, partnerships, and parent-child relationships, as well as child development. Led by experienced psychologists, the workshop introduces participants to various topics and then invites them to engage in exercises and activities. These activities are designed to help participants understand and potentially transform different aspects of their personalities—such as emotions, creativity, and parenting skills—using the methods of Tele'Drama. This approach provides parents with a unique opportunity to enhance their abilities in their parenting roles through interactive and experiential learning.
Learning Objectives: The presenters will host Elena Petrova's training group in person at her office in Sofia, Bulgaria. Together, they will co-create a powerful hybrid experience, seamlessly integrating with conference participants connecting virtually. This setup ensures a dynamic and interactive learning environment, allowing both in-person and online attendees to engage fully in the activities and discussions.

Topic: Tell Me The Truth About Love: Senior Citizens Perform Reader's Theater in War Times; Ofra Faiman (Israel)
Presenter: Description: In this presentation, Ofra Faiman will explore a live performance given by her group to fellow residents at a senior citizens' residence. This project was conceived to help divert attention from the ongoing fearful war situation. She chose the theme of love in its various manifestations, expressed through personal stories and poetry. The genre of "Reader's Theater" allows performers to engage with the text without needing to memorize it. Ofra, along with several performers, will be present to discuss and share their experiences of working and performing on stage. They will also engage with online participants, exploring the process in action, and respond to questions and comments. 
Learning Objectives: The presenter will work with a group at her home in Israel and involve other participants who are attending virtually.

Topic: Work on Trauma and Dreams in the Time of Wars and Collective Trauma: Integrating Psychodrama, EMDR, and Bilateral Stimulation; Maurizio Gasseau (Italy)
Presenter: Description: The presenter will teach in the hybrid space how to integrate Jungian Psychodrama and EMDR, and how to use bilateral stimulation techniques like tapping in psychodrama play without causing retraumatization. Jungian Psychodrama is rooted in Carl Jung’s analytical theory on dreams, focusing on the concepts of the personal and collective unconscious, archetypal images, and individuation. During the session, some dreams and memories associated with dreams will be enacted, integrating tapping and other techniques to help the protagonist maintain the Window of Tolerance and process trauma effectively. After the final sharing, there will be a narrative observation detailing the story of the group's processes.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will work with a group gathered at Casa Jung, Corso Peschiera 167, Turin, Italy, while also engaging participants online.

Topic: Cultural Mapping: Body Images of Women's Rights and Leadership - A Digital Rendering; Sheila Dallas-Katzman & Uneeda Brewer, TEP (United States)
Presenter: Description: Women have made significant strides forward with the international ratification of treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. However, despite these advancements, not all women are able to fully benefit from these rights, raising questions about government compliance and enforcement. Persistent challenges remain.To address these issues, we will explore various elements, including:

• Historical Context: Understanding the roots and evolution of women's rights over time.
• Differences and Commonalities Across Regions: Examining how women's rights issues vary and what they share across different geographical areas.
• Global Perspectives on Women's Rights: Considering how different cultures and societies view and prioritize women's rights.
• Cultural Challenges: Identifying specific cultural barriers that hinder the progression of women's rights.
• The Role of Leadership: Discussing how leaders can actively promote and protect the rights of women and girls.

These explorations aim to deepen understanding and foster a more comprehensive approach to advancing women's rights globally.
Learning Objectives: The presenter has invited groups she has previously worked with from Indonesia, the Philippines, various countries in Africa, and the United States. This diverse collection of participants will enrich the session with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, enhancing the global dialogue on the topic.

Topic: Exploring Boundaries and Self-Care; Andrea Wilches (Colombia/Argentina) and Lina Riascos (Colombia)
Presenter: Description: We invite participants to explore the concept of boundaries through bodily experiences and to discuss their beliefs about self-care and its connection to these boundaries. Additionally, we aim to examine some of the emerging scenes through psychodrama vignettes.
Learning Objectives: The group gathering in person has been part of a series of sessions working on self-improvement through theatrical techniques. They will gather in the city of Cali, Colombia.

Topic: Reimagining Cinderella - A Musical Tale of Hope and Transformation; Filipe De Moura (Portugal)
Presenter: Description: Tele'Drama Musicals is a methodology created by Filipe De Moura in early 2021, combining psychology, action methods, classical musicals, and virtual/hybrid spaces. This approach offers participants the opportunity to explore their inner voice by discovering personal resources and transforming obstacles into opportunities. In this session, the group will reimagine the story of Cinderella, co-creating a new version with a deeper understanding of its powerful messages.
Learning Objectives: Filipe De Moura, along with his students in Lisbon, Portugal, will collaborate with online participants, and a part of the new musical will be presented during the Closing Ceremony.

Topic: Closing Ceremony & Gala: Co-masters of the Ceremony: Andrea Wilches (Colombia / Argentina), Gülşen Büyükşahin (Türkiye/United States), Mark Wentworth (United Kingdom)
Presenter: Description: Every year, the annual Tele'Drama Conference concludes with a festive Closing Ceremony and Gala—our signature event celebrating the remarkable coming together of people from around the world, learning and co-creating. This year, the team of three Masters of Ceremony will guide us through an extraordinary experience filled with intercultural, interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and interreality adventures. Staying true to the model of the entire conference, the Closing Ceremony and Gala will be a hybrid event, involving groups from across the globe and focusing on the future of humanity, including the perspectives of today's children. Don’t miss this extraordinary event of the year!

Topic: BONUS SESSION: One Week Later (Sunday, November 17, 2024): Processing the Conference Insights and Outtakes
Presenter: Description: Join us for a special bonus session one week after our main event, where we'll explore deeper into the key insights and moments from the conference. This reflective session is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to revisit the most impactful themes and ideas that emerged. Whether you attended every session or just a few, this follow-up meeting will help consolidate your learning and ensure that the knowledge gained is integrated into your professional and personal lives. Don't miss this chance to reconnect with fellow attendees and solidify your conference experience!