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Community Corner

Hardwiring Happiness: Psychodrama Meets Neuroscience & Mindfulness

The Bay Area Moreno Institute is offering an open session on June 16 in San Rafael with Sylvia Israel & John Olesen  

In his book, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence, Psychologist and Buddhist Teacher Rick Hanson suggests that the taking-in of positive experiences changes brain structure, from an innate survival based negative bias to one of a sense of worth and realistically optimistic outlook. 

Drawing from Hanson's model, we will use guided imagery and psychodrama to increase positive thinking, feeling and believing, discovering (or practicing) new tools to deal with life challenges and live with contentment, calm, and confidence. Join us for an evening of building new neural pathways in our brains! Everyone is welcome.

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  • When: Monday, June 16, 2014  6:15pm - 9:15pm
    Please arrive by 6pm so we can begin on time 
  • Where: IMAGINE! Center for Creativity and Healing 1924 Fourth Street, San Rafael 94901 (Map)
  • Fee: $25 (partial scholarships available)
NOTE: Pre-registration is required. Purchase tickets here or contact Minna Kim at bayareamorenoinstitute@gmail.com

Information: 
John Olesen at JOlesen345@me.com or (415) 695-9732 

Sylvia Israel, LMFT (mcf31245) Nationally certified dramatist/trainer (TEP) Registered Drama Therapist/Trainer (RDT/BCT), co-founder of Bay Area Moreno Institute and Bay Area Playback Theatre, teaches at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and maintains a private practice with individuals, couples and families in San Francisco and Marin.

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John Olesen, M.A., Nationally certified dramatist/trainer (TEP), teaches in the INSAM (Interpersonal Neurobiology, Somatics and Action Methods) certificate program at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. He is the former chair of the National Board of Examiners for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama

Continuing Education:

Approved for CEUs for MFT, LCSW (BBS947) Sylvia Israel, MFT, RDT/BCT, TEP Provider. (Additional $10 fee). Hours may also be applied for Drama Therapy, Psychodrama (Recognized by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy) and MFT licensure (Approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences) 

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