Sylvia Israel

Sylvia Israel is an Adjunct Professor of Counseling Psychology at the School of Professional Psychology and Health, California Institute of Integral Studies. She specializes in integrating Buddhist practices like self-compassion with psychodrama, particularly in trauma therapy. Her roles include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 31245), certified Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner of Psychodrama (TEP), and founder of Bay Area Playback Theatre.

• Education: M.A. in Theater (San Francisco State University); M.A. in Psychology/Drama Therapy (CIIS)

Research focuses on the Therapeutic Spiral Model for trauma survivors, psychodrama in group psychotherapy, and ritual theater's clinical applications. Her work emphasizes holistic approaches to mental health, combining drama therapy with mindfulness techniques.

Publications highlight her contributions to trauma treatment frameworks and ritual-based therapeutic practices. Awards include the ASGPP Fellow Award (2007) and NADTA Recognition (2005) for service to the field.

Maintains a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, consults with legal professionals, and leads training programs through the Bay Area Moreno Institute. Active in professional organizations, she previously served on the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama.