Psychodrama for Recovery from Traumatic Stress: an Experiential Workshop

With Bessel van der Kolk and Licia Sky

April 14 - 18, 2025

Workshop Schedule

Monday
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm*How to Drop into Esalen *
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
4:15 pm – 6:15 pm
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
4:15 pm – 6:15 pm
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday
9:30 am – 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $940.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $1,240.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $1,560.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $2,060.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $3,260.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $2,860.00
  • Premium King Room – $3,060.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $3,460.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $3,460.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $3,460.00
  • Rolf Suite – $6,560.00
  • Point House – $6,560.00
  • Fritz Point House – $6,560.00
  • South Point House – $8,000.00

Trauma is not only about the terrible things that have happened to us but also about what did not happen — such as care, protection, and validation. The only way to create an inner sense of positivity that embraces new possibilities is to have a visceral, real-life experience with what has been missing. 

In this workshop, we will explore a variety of theatrical and psychodramatic techniques to help transform our understanding of trauma and instill a deep-seated sense of the nurturing that was not received when it was needed — the support that was lacking. This process has been described in “Filling the Holes: Creating Structures,” a chapter in The Body Keeps the Score, the influential, award-winning work on how traumatic experiences, and the lack of positive ones, shape both the brain and relationships. 

This experiential workshop is limited to 25 participants. If you are interested in joining, please send an email with approximately two paragraphs explaining your professional background, prior therapy experiences, and why you wish to be a part of this workshop. Please add “Psychodrama Workshop Participant Submission” to the subject line and send to assistant@liciasky.com.

About the Leaders

Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD, has taught yearly at Esalen for more than 20 years. He is medical director of the Trauma Center in Boston, professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing […]

Learn more about Bessel van der Kolk

Licia Sky

Licia Sky is a somatic educator, bodyworker, artist, and musician. She guides transformational experiences incorporating dynamic observational exercises, music, movement, vocalizing, enhanced listening, and touch to foster safe, transformative inner and interpersonal connection. Her methods are informed by over 30 years as an artist, musician, bodywork therapist, yoga practitioner, and dancer, integrating poly-vagal theory, parts […]

Learn more about Licia Sky

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