Improv Comedy for Anxiety: Spontaneity Where It Matters Most

This course is specially designed and it combines ensemble-based improv and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) practice. The aim of the course is to help people with mild to moderate social anxiety, fear of public speaking manage their symptoms and reduce avoidance behaviors in social, work/school and family settings.

The Improv for Anxiety is around 2:30 hours long. We will start with playful and fun improv group games designed to be inclusive and participative in a safe and contained environment. The session is open to all, no previous experience of Improv is required, just willingness to participate.

Responses from previous participants

"My group absolutely loved the improv comedy. The numbers increased during the sessions which shows how successful it is.

During check-in from 9.30 am to 10.30 am the mood in the room was quite low. People from all different backgrounds sharing their experiences of depression and anxiety. However, once we started the Improv comedy the mood in the room instantly changed. People had permission to laugh, be silly and let go. It was incredible to see the change in such a short time frame. I can't wait for there to be another course. It is the most successful activity that I have put on for the group. Thank you so much Nat."

Jane Hulbert, Depression Support Worker, Next Steps Woking

This Improv for Anxiety course is for:

• People who feel nervous and/or uncomfortable around other people and preventing you from expressing yourself and doing things you would like to do

• People whose fear of public speaking or expressing themselves freely in front of others.

• People who have fear of looking stupid and frequent feelings of embarrassment in social circumstances.

• People who feel limited and isolated because are afraid of allowing other people to get to know or build friendships.

• People who are worried that if other people they really knew them they would not like them.

• People who feel isolated and avoid socialising, meeting other people or dating.

• People who feel embarrassed and self conscious when they become the centre of attention.

• People who often become tense and nervous, blush in front of other people.

• People who worry too much of what other people think of them.

• People who are afraid to express their opinion or ask for something that they deserve to have.

“Improvisation can be a lot of fun and involves the practice of mindful participating with spontaneity. It also involves letting go of being separate from others and throwing oneself into the story plot that is unfolding as each person takes a turn. if you have an improv teacher who can come to teach a group class, or if one of your group leaders has experience with improv (or is willing to read up and experiment with it), this can be a very good way to increase participants' (arid your own) mindful participation skills”. (DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) Skills Training Manual, Marsha M. Linehan, Nov. 2014).

In addition the DBT manual recommends laughter as therapeutic as “laughing can have very positive effects on health and happiness”

In this course we will introducing Improv and DBT skills that you can practice on a daily basis to manage anxiety.

Laughter idea was proposed by Dr Marsha Linehan as a way to illustrate mindfulness and full participation. Meditation and mindfulness involve being fully and completely aware of the moment. Laughing requires that we are fully present and have complete awareness.

Dr Linehan notes that, if the laughter is genuine, then self-consciousness disappears. All too often, we are in a place or an activity, and our minds are doing a million other things. The laughter is a way to help us to learn to be fully present in a fun, playful and a pleasant environment.

The Improv for Anxiety workshop is interactive, experiential group work; we will explore our inner wisdom, spirituality and become aware of different possibilities. We will be working in a supportive, non-judgmental environment with discussion, demonstration, movement, sharing, role-play and improvisation exercises in small groups. In the process, we may discover new insights into ourselves.

Recommended Reading: 'A Playful Path' by Bernard de Koven, 2014. You can download a free copy from here

http://www.aplayfulpath.com/

Who is this workshop for: anybody recovering from anxiety, stress, depression socially anxious, anybody who is looking for a safe space to share and explore.

How much?

Waged: £15
Concessions: £12

Please book in advance via Paypal or

Where?

Theatre Delicatessen, Rehearsal Room 1

The session is lead by Nat Tsolak

Nat is a coach, Improv teacher and consultant with over 15 years international experience in training, leading and facilitating groups. Nat puts positive psychology into practice with fun, play and laughter.

Nat is trained in Improvisational acting and drama by Keith Johnstone (Author of Impro) and in stand up comedy by Logan Murrey (Author of 'Be a Great Stand-Up: Teach Yourself').

Nat holds Masters in Psychology from Glasgow University and MBA from Imperial College Business School. Nat is a member of the British Psychological Society.

"Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life."

Joan Lunden