Παλμός/Palmos

“Palmos”, a non-profitable Association of Dramatic Expression and Therapy, is based in Athens, Greece. It was founded in 2005, by Lambros Yotis, psychiatrist (University of Athens, Greece) and dramatherapist (PG Dip and PhD, University of Hertfordshire, UK), theatre actor (Drama School of Athens), stage director and accredited playback theatre trainer (Centre of Playback Theatre, NY).

The aims of this association are research and action in the field that joins theatre, psychotherapy and social sensitization. Methods and techniques deriving from the art of theatre, psychiatry, psychotherapy, dramatherapy, psychodrama and social sciences are applied to meet these aims. Under the umbrella of Palmos, a number of therapeutic and artistic activities take place: psychotherapeutic and dramatherapeutic groups, seminars and workshops, experimental theatre workshops, theatre performances and playback theatre training and performances. From its very beginning, “Palmos” has supported the growth of the “Playback Ψ” theatre company, the first professional Greek playback theatre company, created by artists working in theatre, music and the visual arts. From 2019, “Palmos” hosts the Greek School of Playback Theatre, which is accredited by the Center of Playback Theatre (N.Y.). In accordance with the latter, the school runs training in playback theatre at three degrees: core, intermediate and advanced.

During the last two decades associate members of “Palmos” have been accredited psychotherapists and professionals working in the field of the arts, therapy and education settings. In 2023, collaborators are: Dimitris Begioglou (psychotherapist, accredited playback trainer, actor, musician), Christina Fragiadaki (dramatherapist and actor), Christos Theocharopoulos, Vera Lardi and Margarita Kastrinou, Catherine Webster (theatre actors and teachers), Artemis Chatziargyriou and Maria Maragopoulou (drama and expressive arts therapists), Nikos Theocharopoulos, Erofili Politopoulou and Magda Horhocea (visual artists), Orestes Zyrinis (musician).

Recently, “Palmos” has published the book: “Playback Ψ – Belonging in Playback Theatre”. It contains the history of the “Playback Ψ” theatre company, theoretical articles about Playback Theatre, its application in therapeutic, educational, social settings, as well as relevant research studies. Edited by Lambros Yotis and with authors members of the company, this book can be ordered either as a published edition by Amazon, or as an e-book from iwrite editions.