Enrolment for a new generation of EBTS facilitators
The EBTS (Evidence Based Trauma Stabilization) programme emerged from the need for more effective work with children and families who have experienced traumatic events. The global situation remains challenging and, as professionals, we have a responsibility to seek new, evidence-based ways of providing support, with the aim of stabilising and integrating traumatised families into society.
EBTS is a brief, structured programme based on core principles of psychodrama and contemporary findings in the field of psychotraumatology. It was developed and evaluated within an Erasmus+ project in three European countries (Germany, Bulgaria and Finland), and is now implemented in several other countries and in different contexts of work with refugee, migrant and other vulnerable families.
The programme consists of two innovative approaches to promoting stabilisation in traumatised children and families. The first four sessions focus on psychoeducation for parents about trauma: the effects of trauma on the brain, body and relationships, the concepts of stabilisation, self-care and psychological resilience. The following sessions include structured play with children, combined with feedback for parents and the transfer of what has been learned into everyday life.
EBTS reconnects traumatised children with their parents and with the most important resource of resilience – secure attachment. The programme uses the language of children – play. By combining psychoeducation about trauma and psychodramatic techniques, it fosters playfulness while at the same time deliberately calming and stabilising the child’s nervous system.
For professionals, EBTS training represents an action-oriented “first aid kit” for the rehabilitation of traumatised children and for strengthening and stabilising the parent–child relationship. Research has shown a reduction in PTSD symptoms in children who take part in the programme, as well as long-term positive effects in the target population.
Why is EBTS helpful?
Reconnecting child and parent – EBTS brings the focus back to the parent–child relationship as a key source of psychological resilience.
The language of children – play – the programme uses structured psychodramatic play (“Bear Valley” and others) through which children can express and transform their traumatic experiences.
Brief and structured programme – 10 sessions over 5–10 weeks of work with families; suitable for systems with limited resources.
Action-oriented first aid kit – concrete exercises, rituals and games that can be used immediately in work with families.
Care for helpers – emphasis on secondary traumatisation, self-care and burnout prevention among professionals.
Research evidence – evaluations of the programme show a reduction in PTSD symptoms in children and long-term positive effects.
What will you learn?
Participants will learn to:
understand the impact of trauma and loss on children and families
recognise affective, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of trauma in children
provide psychoeducation for parents about trauma, stabilisation and self-care
use structured play to stabilise the parent–child relationship
facilitate EBTS groups with families in various contexts (schools, NGOs, centres, camps, social welfare system, etc.)
recognise and address secondary traumatisation and compassion fatigue in themselves and colleagues
integrate self-care and mental-hygiene practices into their professional life
At the end of the training, participants receive an EBTS Facilitator Certificate, which entitles them to implement the EBTS programme in their professional practice. The training is delivered in English, and participants receive the EBTS manual in English together with all materials needed to run the programme.
Who is this training for?
The training is intended for professionals who work with children, parents and families in different systems, such as:
psychologists
social workers
social pedagogues
special education teachers / rehabilitation specialists
psychotherapists and counselling therapists
professionals in educational institutions
professionals working in NGOs and humanitarian organisations
Previous experience in psychodrama or psychotherapy is not required.
EBTS is a stabilisation and psychological first-aid programme, and can be delivered by professionals from different backgrounds.
Structure, dates and location
The EBTS training in Zagreb, Croatia is designed as an eight-day training divided into two four-day modules.
Dates:
Module 1: 26–29 January 2026
Module 2: 16–19 March 2026
Location: Zagreb, Croatia (the exact venue will be confirmed to registered participants).
Trainers
Milena Mutafchieva, PhD
Psychologist, psychodrama psychotherapist and psychodrama trainer for adults and children, supervisor; Associate Professor at New Bulgarian University (Sofia). Founder and Director of the Centre for Child Development and Psychological Counselling “Cognitiva”. Co-author of the EBTS programme and manual.Stefan Flegelskamp
Social worker, child and adolescent psychotherapist, psychodrama trainer for adults and children, supervisor. Director of the psychodrama institute SZENEN in Cologne. Co-author of the EBTS programme and manual.Reijo Kauppila
MA in Adult Education, psychodrama trainer and supervisor. Director of the Helsinki Psychodrama Institute, with extensive experience in working with groups and organisations. Co-author of the EBTS programme and manual.
Fee and registration
Fee
The total fee for the training is 1000 EUR + VAT.
Payment is possible as a single payment or in 5 monthly instalments.
Registration
Applications are submitted via the online form: [Application form – link]
The number of places is limited; applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
A place on the training is considered reserved after the online application has been received and the full amount or first instalment has been paid, no later than 7 days after the pro-forma invoice has been issued.
After applying, you will receive an e-mail with confirmation of your place and payment instructions.
In case of payment in instalments, the final certificate is issued after the full amount has been paid.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation of participation is only possible in writing (by e-mail) to the organiser’s address indicated in the application.
In case of cancellation:
up to 30 days before the start of the first module – the participant will be refunded 100% of the fee paid, minus an administrative processing fee of 30 EUR;
from 30 to 14 days before the start of the first module – the participant will be refunded 50% of the fee paid;
14 days or less before the start of the first module, as well as after the training has started – no refund is possible.
With prior written consent of the organiser, the participant may transfer their application and the fee paid to another person who meets the conditions for participation in the training.
If the training is cancelled by the organiser, the full fee will be refunded to participants.
The organiser is not responsible for accommodation, travel or any other personal costs of participants, and these cannot be reimbursed in the event of cancellation by either the participant or the organiser.
Contact for additional information
e-mail: info@centar-psihodrama.hr