Chicago Center for Psychodrama presents at the 2026 American Group Psychotherapy Association!

The Light Between Us: Psychodramas of Meaning and Joy

Kate Merkle, MPH, RDN, LCSW, PAT, Nourishment Works & Dr. Mallory Primm, PAT

During this experiential and didactic workshop, participants will deepen their knowledge and strengthen their skills in facilitating groups by exploring group dynamics through sociometry, role theory, and the three phases of a psychodrama group: warm-up, action, and sharing. Participants will learn how sociometric and psychodramatic techniques can enrich clinical group work and support members in understanding, shifting, and expanding the roles they inhabit. The presenters will demonstrate practical interventions—including spectrograms, doubling, and empty chair—that participants can adapt for a range of group settings. Participants will also learn about the history and evolution of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy, with attention to current applications and emerging research.

Learning Objectives

• Define psychodrama and sociometry 

• List two sociometric structures for building safety and connection in groups

• Identify one way that a sociometric or psychodramatic technique can help group members feel seen 

• Identify the three phases of a psychodrama group session