For the NEW TRAINING GROUP in Cluj, starting in the fall of 2025, you can register on the waiting list or request more information at: psihodrama.copii.apcakh@gmail.com
DESCRIPTION OF CHILD PSYCHODRAMA TRAINING
Child psychodrama was developed by Hanna KENDE (Adlerian psychoanalyst, child psychotherapist, trainer-supervisor, France, and Hungary). Its theoretical foundation is based on Alfred Adler’s individual psychotherapy and Jacob Levy Moreno’s psychodrama therapy. By integrating these two approaches, Mrs. KENDE created this method, which is specifically adapted to the developmental characteristics of children.
The specificity of the method lies in the fact that psychotherapists actively participate in children’s play (they dress up, take on roles in skits). The method is dynamic, creative, and (apparently!) improvisational, yet it is based on solid theoretical-methodological principles and a wide range of techniques. The therapeutic process addresses the deep levels of intrapsychic conflicts, often leading to spectacular changes in children after just a few sessions.
The Association of Psychodrama for Children and Adolescents “KENDE Hanna” (APCA-KH) has made it one of its main objectives to establish a professional framework for accrediting the method and training specialists in Romania. Since there are no official regulations in Romania regarding professional criteria for practicing child psychotherapy, there is no CoPsi certification exclusively for child psychotherapy. To date, the only possible approach has been to approve child psychodrama as a specialization course (continuing education) for professionals.
APCA-KH became a training association within the Romanian College of Psychologists (CoPsi) in 2011 (RF-II-CJ-92/24.05.2011) and was re-approved in 2017.
Child psychodrama has been approved as a continuing professional education course by CoPsi – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Commission.
Initially, the courses were conducted under the professional framework of the Pro Familia Family Therapy Association (ATF-PF, from 2015). Since December 2016, APCA-KH has become the professional framework for the continuing education courses “CHILD PSYCHODRAMA, theory and practice.” CoPsi approval number: 3/16.12.2016, re-approved under approval no. 35 dated 21.12.2021.
The course has a duration of 120 hours and is awarded 120 CoPsi credits.
Psychologists and psychotherapists with professional certificates issued by CoPsi (in psychotherapy specialization, starting from 2022) can benefit from credits. All other participants will receive only a certificate issued by the training association.
Successfully completing the entire training entitles participants to lead child psychodrama groups according to their professional competence. Only specialists qualified as psychotherapists can call these groups psychotherapeutic groups, while others can use the acquired knowledge within the limits of their professional competencies.
APCA-KH has three local trainers: Mária ORBÁN, Mónika ROMÁN, and Enikő SZŐKE, who completed their child and adolescent psychodrama trainer training in Hungary and were chosen by Hanna KENDE to continue her professional work.
STRUCTURE OF CHILD PSYCHODRAMA TRAINING AT APCA-KH
• Prerequisites:
- At least 150 hours of self-awareness/personal development in an accredited psychotherapy method (ongoing process at the time of registration).
It is recommended (but not mandatory) that participants obtain this experience in a group format, preferably in an adult psychodrama group.
• Selection:
- A 45-minute interview with trainers (to discuss the candidate’s motivation, maturity, and commitment).
• Theoretical-methodological training:
- A 120-hour course conducted in a closed group (12-16 participants).
- Completion of the training requires submitting a theoretical essay (a prerequisite for moving to the supervision stage).
• Assistance under an experienced leader:
- Observing/assisting in ongoing child psychodrama groups led by experienced therapists.
• Supervised practice:
- At least 30 hours of supervision.
- Leading two small child groups (in co-therapy with experienced or beginner therapists, under supervision).
• Final Exam:
- A written case study (final paper) presented orally in a psychodramatic format.
CHILD PSYCHODRAMA COURSE – 120 HOURS (120 CoPsi CREDITS)
The course provides participants with theoretical and practical knowledge in group psychotherapy for children and preadolescents and introduces them to the psychodrama method. It develops specific skills for this approach through experiential exercises that facilitate personal development, role-playing games, video demonstrations, and case studies from the trainers’ experience.
Potential participants:
Psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, psychological counselors, doctors, psychologists, psycho-pedagogues, social workers (in psychotherapy training), school psychologists, or other specialists.
Prerequisite for selection:
Completion of at least 150 hours of self-awareness/personal development in any accredited method. A certificate must be included in the application file.
Selection criteria:
A 45-minute individual selection interview (to evaluate the candidate’s maturity, motivation, expectations, and questions). Participation in a child psychodrama workshop during Psychodrama Conferences is recommended (but not mandatory) to become familiar with the method.
Training cost:
€6/hour (includes the trainer’s fee and organizational costs in Cluj). Costs may vary for courses organized in other cities. A maximum of 20% of the total course hours can be missed (all hours, including absences, must be paid for).
Application file must include:
- Completed application form (available at psihodrama.copii.apcakh@gmail.com).
- Updated professional CV with a photo.
- Copy of ID card.
- Certificate of 150 hours of self-awareness/personal development in an accredited method.
As of 2024, the following training groups have been conducted:
- Five training groups in Romanian: in Cluj (2016/2017, 2022/2023, 2023/2024, 2024.01-11) and Oradea (2021/2022).
- Three training groups in Hungarian: in Miercurea-Ciuc (2017/2018), Sânmartin-Ciuc (2019/2020), and currently ongoing in Cluj (2024.10/2025).
The 120-hour CHILD PSYCHODRAMA CONTINUOUS TRAINING starts approximately once a year in Cluj.
Upon request (with full organizational support!), the training can also be conducted in other cities.