Improv is uniquely effective for learning a set of skills for communicating as clearly as possible in situations of uncertainty, to read others' cues, and respond with clarity and creativity in order to build something together. Improv exercises build these psychological and behavioral "muscles" through dynamic, highly-engaging interactive experiences that are also fascinating and fun.

In this workshop we will play improv games and do improv exercises that demonstrate essential elements of emotional intelligence. We will discuss research that supports improv as a method for developing these skills and real life applications. Therapists, counselors, teachers, trainers, and other professionals who help people shape their lives will learn useful tools and knowledge for their work, and anyone who wants to be more present, and empowered in relationships will benefit.

Positive, supportive relationships are a kind of emotional and psychological nutrient for human beings, and not just in a feel-good, metaphorical way. There is solid science showing that positive human connection boosts resilience for overcoming adversity, recovery from trauma and grief, and is one of the most powerful non-medical protective health factors. But relationships are not magically successful, and there are many situations that require us to deal with people we do not know well, may not particularly like, or with whom we have conflict. Emotional intelligence - a set of skills that expand awareness of emotional states in ourselves and in others, and our capacity to be choiceful and conscious in our relationship communication - is what sustains the positive connection through the stresses and pressures of life, and guides us through the complexities of relationships that have different kinds of energy.

These skills are best cultivated through direct experience, and improv is an ideal framework to learn and practice them.

Getting into flow is associated with a number of mental health benefits, which we will discuss in this workshop. Improv injects joy and fun into the experience of personal growth that creative flow makes possible. This workshop is an opportunity play games and do improv exercises designed to get into flow, reap the immediate psychological rewards of comedy and the creative experience, and learn exercises to use on your own as well as with with clients, students or trainees. 

To free our creative mind, we have to be in a receptive, expansive mindset. Improv exercises help us shift out of the self-protective defenses that can automatically arise when we are faced with the unfamiliar or great uncertainty, and translate into real-life embrace of the possible.

This workshop will focus on exercises and games that are ridiculous enough to take us out of the conventions and concerns of regular life, fun enough to overcome the inner judge always ready to monitor us for mistakes or shoot down our most interesting ideas, and structured enough for us to take risks. This combination generates creative flow, with the added bonus of comedy, surprise, and discovery.
INSTRUCTOR: Jude Treder-Wolff, LCSW, CPAI

Jude Treder-Wolff was interviewed for Authority Magazine on ways to avoid hustle culture and create a new sustainable work paradigm. Improv comedy and joy are part of the equation. Here are her 5 tips in a 10-minute video. You can read the interview on this link