ABOUT PELLA



I came to Psychotherapy and Drama Therapy through a somewhat circuitous route. In fact, it wasn't until I was in my mid-thirties that I even heard the term "Drama Therapy". When I did, I knew I had found an arena that could bring together my love for personal growth, social change, and creative expression.


I have over 18 years of experience in counseling, training and social justice leadership. I have worked with youth, children and adults from many different backgrounds and I facilitate trainings on diversity issues.


Some highlights of my journey:
I graduated with Honors from the University of California at Santa Cruz in Women's Studies in 1994. While in college I co-produced a women's radio show called "A New Perspective" at KZSC.


I founded Jewish Youth for Community Action (JYCA) in 1995. JYCA is an innovative youth empowerment and social justice program that has gained national attention and is now in its 16th year (www.jyca-justice.org).


After several more years of working for social justice non-profits, I discovered Drama Therapy and decided that my contribution to social change would be through helping people learn to treat each other well on the interpersonal, organizational and systemic levels.


While attending California Institute for Integral Studies, I was a Teaching Assistant for Renee Emunah, founder of the Drama Therapy program and author of Acting for Real. I was also a member of Theatre for Change, a multi-ethnic troupe that creates original performances to raise awareness about diversity issues.


My first practicum placement was at the University of California at San Francisco's Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute in the Inpatient Unit. While working there, I was trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a very useful model for managing feelings through mindful awareness.


My second placement was through San Francisco Unified School District's Student Intervention Team. I worked at Sanchez Elementary School and ran Drama Therapy groups and did Play Therapy with clients with diverse issues.


In addition to my professional training, I have made personal and spiritual growth a priority in my own life, and have found a number of tools to be useful. I was an active member of the Re-evaluation Co-counseling (RC) community for ten years, and I led or co-led several classes and workshops, including an ongoing support group for 'Blacks & Jews' and for Women. I am also trained in the TODOS Institute method of diversity training and unlearning oppression and have delivered trainings for a wide variety of organizations and groups.


I have trained in theatre, improvisation, movement/dance and voice. I have found creative expression through the performing arts to be transformative and powerful, and I love witnessing the power of theatre and improvisation (in particular) in helping my clients to heal and grow.


Yoga, meditation, Jewish spirituality, and close relationships with friends and family are currently great sources of support for me. My relationship with my husband provides me with great joy and great opportunities for growth and healing. I love singing, swimming, picnics, and having long chats with friends.


I am very grateful to have been exposed to some wonderful tools, and to have had some wise teachers and guides who have helped me on my journey in life. I would be honored to be a guide for you on your journey, to help you build a life of meaning and connection, and to support you through any challenges that you are struggling with.