Forensic Systems in Action:
Humanizing Legal and Correctional Systems Through Action Methods
An international 10-Session Tele’Drama-based training for professionals in trial law, forensic mental health, witness work, and corrections.

PROGRAM TEAM
The program team consists of experienced psychodrama practitioners and trainers with extensive backgrounds in psychodrama, sociodrama, axiodrama, role theory, and role training. In addition, the team includes specialists in forensic psychiatry, forensic psychology, trial law, vulnerable-witness work, child-witness interviewing, prison-based rehabilitation programs, and post-release resocialization.Together, the team brings a rich integration of clinical, legal, educational, and experiential expertise. Each member also maintains strong professional ties with Tele’Drama International, contributing to the program’s commitment to innovative action methods in both virtual & hybrid environments.

Program Director:
Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP - United States

Program Team:
David F. Moran, LCSW, CADC, TEP – United States
Erica Hollander, JD, PhD, TEP – United States
Hande Karakılıç Üçer, MD – Türkiye
Leigh E. Johnson, JD, PAT/TEP – United States
Svetlana Iloski – North Macedonia

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR? 
This program is designed for:

• Psychologists (clinical, counseling, community)
• Psychodramatists and action-method practitioners
• Social workers
• Mental health professionals
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Law students and legal trainees
• Forensic psychiatrists / forensic psychologists in training
• Students in psychology, social work, criminal justice, law, or related fields
• Professionals working with vulnerable populations
• Correctional and rehabilitation specialists
• Professionals working with victims, witnesses, offenders, or families
• Crisis workers and community-safety teams
• Educators and researchers in justice, trauma, and legal psychology

Session 1 — Introduction: Action Methods in Forensic Contexts
Why experiential methods matter in legal and forensic systems. Ethics, boundaries, and safety. The roles that exist within justice settings.

Session 2 — Understanding Crime Through Roles and Systems
Role theory applied to crime, conflict, and harm. Sociodrama exploring offender, victim, and community systems.

Session 3 — Trauma, Stress, and Human Behavior Under Threat
How trauma affects decision-making, behavior, and communication. Experiential exploration of trauma-informed roles.

Session 4 — Vulnerable Witnesses and Effective Communication
Supporting clarity, memory, and safety. Role training for communication with children and vulnerable witnesses.

Session 5 — Courtroom Roles and Legal Dynamics
Judge, jury, attorney, defendant, and witness. Pressure, persuasion, conflict, and role demands. Psychodramatic exploration of courtroom scenes.

Session 6 — Forensic Psychiatry in Action
Mental illness and legal responsibility. Competency, insight, risk, and role functioning. Experiential exploration of psychiatric roles within justice systems.

Session 7 — Working Inside InstitutionsPrison roles and institutional culture.
Power dynamics, alliances, and survival roles. Sociometry in closed systems.

Session 8 — Reintegration and Resocialization
Role transitions after incarceration. Family and community dynamics. Identity rebuilding through role training.

Session 9 — Restorative Approaches and Community Repair
Victim, offender, and community dialogue. Responsibility, accountability, and empathy. Axiodrama exploring justice and ethics.

Session 10 — Final Experiential Integration
Large-group action learning. Case-inspired exploration. Reflection, insights, and practical applications.