Shiva Shakthi (Indian Institute of Psychodrama (IIP – NIMHANS project)

Shiva–Shakthi | 3rd Edition | IIP and NIMHANS Collaborative Training Programme

A Course in Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama & Sociodrama. Shiva–Shakthi returns for its third edition following the strong response and deep impact experienced by participants in 2025. Designed as a sustained learning journey rather than a one-off workshop, this course brings together international trainers and Asian contexts to support rigorous, culturally grounded group practice. This training is a collaboration between the Indian Institute of Psychodrama (IIP) and NIMHANS, a global network committed to advancing group psychotherapy and the study of group processes across clinical, educational, organizational, and socio-cultural settings.

• This programme
  • Facilitates deep cross-cultural learning and exchange.
  • Promotes ethical, relational, and culturally sensitive group practices.
  • Supports innovative research and the evolution of group-based methodologies.
  • Through this collaboration between IIP, NIMHANS we strengthen participants by offering structured, high-quality training that is both globally informed and locally relevant.

• Why This Programme Matters?
  • Group work is not simply about techniques. It requires an understanding of group dynamics, roles, power, culture, ethics, and leadership in living systems.

Now that Edition One and Edition Two were successful group psychotherapy, psychodrama and sociodrama training programmes, this collaboration between the Indian Institute of Psychodrama and NIMHANS creates a powerful learning space for Edition Three. It offers participants from Bangalore and Chennai and other parts of India, the opportunity to deepen their practice, strengthen clinical skills, and engage in experiential learning within a culturally grounded context.

• This programme offers:
  • Exposure to multiple international perspectives rather than a single training lens.
  • Continuity and depth through a multi-module structure.
  • A strong emphasis on culture, context, and relational ethics, particularly relevant in Asian group settings.
  • Learning that integrates theory, embodiment, reflection, and application.

Participants from the 2025 cohort reported significant professional growth, increased confidence in leading groups, and deeper clarity about their role as group practitioners. Due to this response, the programme is being offered again.

Course Description: This course introduces the theories, principles, and applications of group psychotherapy, psychodrama, and sociodrama, creating a foundation for advanced group practice.

• Participants will learn how to:
  • Prepare for group work thoughtfully and ethically.
  • Initiate and structure group sessions.
  • Work with roles, relationships, and group dynamics.
  • Lead groups through conflict, cohesion, and closure.
  • Integrate cultural and intercultural sensitivity into practice

• Each module is five full days, allowing sufficient time for immersion, reflection, and integration.
• Training Format: The course uses a blended learning approach.
  • Experiential: Participants actively engage in group processes, gaining first-hand insight into group dynamics, leadership roles, resistance, spontaneity, and transformation.
  • Didactic: Structured teaching supports experiential learning, offering conceptual clarity on group theory, psychodrama, sociodrama, and ethical practice.

Who Should Attend?

• This course is well suited for:
  • Psychologists, Counsellors, and Therapists seeking to deepen their group work skills.
  • Trainers, Team leaders, HR professionals, and Life Coaches working with groups and organisations.
  • Social workers and Educators engaged in community and institutional settings.
  • Professionals curious about psychodrama and sociodrama as applied group methods.
  • Individuals interested in personal growth through serious group work.
  • Both professionals and those exploring group work for personal development will find this programme meaningful and challenging.

• Trainers: Each module is facilitated by five IAGP certified international trainers, including  Dr Magdalene Jeyarathnam who will co-facilitate across all modules to ensure continuity, integration, and contextual grounding.
  • International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes(IAGP) certified trainers:
    • Dr Peter Howie,
    • Dr Magdalene Jeyarathnam,
    • Marcia Karp,
    • Maurizio Gasseau,
    • Eva Fahlstrom Borg

• Schedule
  • Bengaluru | 12–16 May 2026 / Dr Peter Howie (Australia)
  • Chennai | 20–24 July 2026 / Maurizio Gasseau (Italy)
  • Bengaluru | 29–30 September & 1–3 October 2026 / Marcia Karp (UK)
  • Chennai | 19–23 March 2027 / Eva Fahlström Borg (Swedan)

• Course Structure at a Glance:
  • 4 modules with 5 days per module
  • Different international trainer for each module
  • Continuous co-facilitation by Dr Magdalene Jeyarathnam
  • Strong emphasis on ethics, culture, and applied group practice

• Course Fee – ₹35,000 per participant Click here to register
• Participants attending only Chennai / only Bangalore will pay Rs 25000/-

• Course Directors
  • Dr. Kanmani TR, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work. NIMHANS
  • Dr Magdalene Jeyarathnam, Director, Indian Institute of Psychodrama

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Shiva Shakthi Second Edition Completed 2025

Trainers in 2025 (Chennai, Mumbai, Online)

Learn from IAGP certified trainers, including:

• Jacob Gershoni (USA)
• Judith Teszary (Hungary/Sweden)
• Dr Peter Howie (Australia)
• Maurizio Gasseau (Italy)
• Magdalene Jeyarathnam (India)
• Ursula Hauser (Switzerland)
• Dr Mona Rakhawy (Egypt)

Trainers in Shiva Shakthi First edition 2019/2020 (Chennai, Online)

Dr Jorge Burmiester (Spain/ Switzerland) Maurizio Gasseau (Italy) Dr Christina (Spain) Uri Levine (Israel)