Life is improvised! The principles that help actors create scenes and stories are the same principles that help people create fulfilling connections with others and live their lives with grace and joy. The tools of improv can be applied to our daily lives to help us be more in the moment, let go of old patterns, and feel more connected and confident.
Current and Upcoming Groups
Click here to learn about current and upcoming ongoing groups
Improv For Growth
Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:20pm
This 12-week group combines improv with a process group.
The next 12-week round of this group begins April 2019.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining this group
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Process Group - Forging Connections
3 Groups:
Wednesdays 8:30am - 9:50am
Wednesdays 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Tuesdays 5:00pm - 6:30pm
These groups are ongoing process groups and require a 12-week initial commitment.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining one of these groups.
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(t) 510.473.2320
(e) livingimprovgroups@gmail.com
Click here to learn about all of our upcoming groups and workshops!
What is Living Improv℠?
Living Improv offers an approach to healing and personal growth that is at once fun and therapeutic. At its base, improv is about play. Research has found that adults who play are more likely to lead authentic lives, rich with growth and creativity. (Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection. Minnesota: Hazelden, 2010. 100-101). At Living Improv participants will be able to apply the tools of improv to enhance aspects of everyday life -- personal relationships, family, career, or school.
By engaging in structured but creative improvisation routines, we can learn more about our thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns of relating to others and experiment with new roles and ways of interacting. But without support and group discussion, many areas of rich learning go untapped. In Living Improv, we pair improv techniques with facilitated group discussion to help participants explore these patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives.
Improv is an incredible space for healing and self-growth. Playing improv games connects us with others, increases feelings of joy, helps us become more self-aware, and strengthens our ability to be in the present moment. Improv techniques are also powerful tools for our lives. They can increase our ability to roll with whatever life brings, boost our capacity for spontaneity, help us take risks and let go of perfectionism, and increase our confidence.
All sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Ehrenberg, LCSW or Ali Kimmell, LCSW. We are Licensed Clinical Social Workers in California, practicing psychotherapy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together we bring a strong background in improv and theater as well as advanced training and experience in group psychotherapy.
By engaging in structured but creative improvisation routines, we can learn more about our thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns of relating to others and experiment with new roles and ways of interacting. But without support and group discussion, many areas of rich learning go untapped. In Living Improv, we pair improv techniques with facilitated group discussion to help participants explore these patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives.
Improv is an incredible space for healing and self-growth. Playing improv games connects us with others, increases feelings of joy, helps us become more self-aware, and strengthens our ability to be in the present moment. Improv techniques are also powerful tools for our lives. They can increase our ability to roll with whatever life brings, boost our capacity for spontaneity, help us take risks and let go of perfectionism, and increase our confidence.
All sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Ehrenberg, LCSW or Ali Kimmell, LCSW. We are Licensed Clinical Social Workers in California, practicing psychotherapy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together we bring a strong background in improv and theater as well as advanced training and experience in group psychotherapy.
Who is it for?Would you like to learn more about yourself?
Do you want to increase your capacity for spontaneity? Are you interested in experimenting with new more fulfilling ways of connecting to those around you? Are you dealing with anxiety, depression or feeling plagued by self-criticism, guilt or perfectionism? Or are you just looking for a supportive environment to play and connect with those around you? If so, we invite you to come play with us! We will create an inclusive group environment welcoming to adults of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and any level of performance experience! |
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How do I get started?
Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about our groups and see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Improv For Growth: Part-improv class, part-process group, these sessions facilitate self-growth in an environment that is playful and supportive. Groups meet weekly for 12-weeks at a time. Group meets Thursdays 6:30pm-8:20pm. This group is accepting new members for April 2019. Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about the group and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Drop-In Workshops: These sessions are a great way to try out Living Improv and see if the groups are right for you. There's no pressure or commitment to join an ongoing group. Next Drop-In Workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next workshop will be happening.
Weekend Workshops: Don't have the time in your schedule for a weekly group? No problem! This workshop will give you an immersive, in-depth experience of Living Improv in a single afternoon. Next half-day workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next workshop will be happening.
Forging Connections Process Groups: These groups are perfect for Living Improv group or workshop alumni or the general public who are interested in exploring the process group aspect of the Living Improv experience in more depth. In process groups members can explore their patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives. There are three groups available: Wednesdays 8:30-9:50am, Wednesdays 5pm-6:30pm or Tuesdays 5pm-6:30pm in Oakland. These are ongoing groups that will ask for an initial 12-week commitment from members. Click here to learn more about these groups.
All Improv For Growth workshops and groups are held at 5390 Miles Ave. in Oakland (just 4 blocks from the Rockridge BART). To inquire about upcoming workshops and groups, please e-mail us at LivingImprovGroups@gmail.com.
If the time or location of current Living Improv groups does not work for you, but you are interested, contact us anyway because we'd love to hear from you and new groups may be forming soon!
Improv For Growth: Part-improv class, part-process group, these sessions facilitate self-growth in an environment that is playful and supportive. Groups meet weekly for 12-weeks at a time. Group meets Thursdays 6:30pm-8:20pm. This group is accepting new members for April 2019. Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about the group and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Drop-In Workshops: These sessions are a great way to try out Living Improv and see if the groups are right for you. There's no pressure or commitment to join an ongoing group. Next Drop-In Workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next workshop will be happening.
Weekend Workshops: Don't have the time in your schedule for a weekly group? No problem! This workshop will give you an immersive, in-depth experience of Living Improv in a single afternoon. Next half-day workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next workshop will be happening.
Forging Connections Process Groups: These groups are perfect for Living Improv group or workshop alumni or the general public who are interested in exploring the process group aspect of the Living Improv experience in more depth. In process groups members can explore their patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives. There are three groups available: Wednesdays 8:30-9:50am, Wednesdays 5pm-6:30pm or Tuesdays 5pm-6:30pm in Oakland. These are ongoing groups that will ask for an initial 12-week commitment from members. Click here to learn more about these groups.
All Improv For Growth workshops and groups are held at 5390 Miles Ave. in Oakland (just 4 blocks from the Rockridge BART). To inquire about upcoming workshops and groups, please e-mail us at LivingImprovGroups@gmail.com.
If the time or location of current Living Improv groups does not work for you, but you are interested, contact us anyway because we'd love to hear from you and new groups may be forming soon!