Reweaving.net

Barbara Kaynan, MA, RDT

Registered Drama Therapist & Expressive Arts Healer

Guiding individuals + communities into reclamations of safety, inclusion, creativity, growth and joy in all the seasons of life. I weave trauma-informed psychotherapy interventions with artistic modalities to facilitate individuals & communities toward healing & growth.

Is your community seeking safe, sacred space devoted to deeper understanding and growth? Are you as an individual searching for a supportive setting where you can explore and rehearse new, healthier patterns in relationship with yourself and others?

I specialize in meeting you or your community where you are now while inviting you to imagine and create with your innermost visions for healing and change. Read more about my body of work to understand how expressive arts healing can offer you the opportunity for authentic, meaningful transformation.

Reach out to begin your individual or collective journey today.

figures of a man, woman and child in children's hands, embodying the protection and preservation of family values

Body of Work

I am a Registered Drama Therapist with the North American Drama Therapy Association. I hold a Master's degree from NYU in Drama Therapy and a certificate from KINT Institute in the arts and trauma treatment. I specialize in trauma-informed person-centered care; guiding individuals and groups, across treatment settings and cultural organizations, during times of big life transitions. Meeting people in this liminal space, I integrate depth-oriented psychotherapy with mystical art modalities to aid my clients' crossing through thresholds into newer, more authentic experiences. I am a published research scholar, peer review editor, and former professor at Long Island University-CW Post. Sessions can look like talking through issues as well as embodied, playful explorations and creations. I believe that your relationship with yourself and others is an art - one that can be rehearsed and rewoven into experiences for healthier living. Are you ready to take up space, honor your experience, and create the life you want to live? Contact me and let's begin our collaboration today!

Media Coverage

ABC11 coverage of Where Can I Go?

Documentary film co-directed by Barbara with Jesse Bonnell and Holocaust survivors of Wake County, NC

Selfhelp Witness Theater in Long Island

Therapeutic performance at Adelphi led by Barbara

NEWSDAY: Teens act out Holocaust survivors' stories in Witness Theater

Selfhelp Witness Theater at JCC Mid Westchester

Therapeutic performance at JCC MW directed by Barbara

Finding Community on Stage

Interview of Barbara on therapeutic theatre production of The Birds

Residents of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale perform in The Birds

A behind-the-scenes look at their therapeutic performance directed by Barbara

Reweaving Communities | My Community Invocation:

Transmuting pain into art, is a healing right we each possess.

To take our traumas and start, to create and assess.

To enter into praxis' ebb and flow, Venturing toward what we already know.

We forget our divine connection. Our inner wisdom requires compassionate resurrection.

Tending and tuning, Stretching and soothing, Longing and loving,

Holding and hugging, Releasing and trusting.

All this transmutes activation, into mindful medication,

movement for our ancestors, ourselves, and future generations.

We are The Movers and The Shakers, The Visionaries and The Change-Makers.

We have the power to raise the vibration, across the world, transcending nations.

We can integrate and alchemize, Ground, Flow, Ignite, and Rise!

Testimonials: What it feels like to work with me

Creative Clinicians participant:

"This excellent group has a little bit of everything for the weary clinician. It's a chance to connect with peers and to find a little extra support both personally and professionally. There are unique and useful strategies to help you go deeper alongside your clients, and to refresh your practice if you've been feeling burned-out and stagnant. I'd recommend this excellent group to anyone who is looking for something fun and different, and it's great for those who are seeking a sense of renewal. Thank you, Barbara, for this little adventure that took me out of my comfort zone and reminded me of my own resiliency!"

Workshop participants:

"Barbara’s drama therapy group struck the perfect balance between feeling welcomed and accepted, while simultaneously challenging my vulnerability and pushing me out of my comfort zone. This created exactly the space I begin to feel growth."

"Barbara recently facilitated our Home for the Holidays 1/2 day retreat for the moms in our community and it was such a beautiful experience. She brought the participants together in a meaningful way and led us through an afternoon of thoughtful activities, discussions, and reflections. The moms had a fabulous time and shared how much the afternoon meant to them and that it was just what they needed. Barbara was a thoughtful, well-prepared, and engaging facilitator for our retreat. She brought a lovely and positive energy with her that made the day magical. We will absolutely use Barbara's services again for future events." - Crissy Fishbane, HER Health Collective

Nisha Sajnani

Director of Drama Therapy Program and Theater & Health Lab for NYU

"Barbara Kaynan has worked closely with our graduate drama therapy program. Students and participants who have worked with her in our therapeutic theatre series have benefitted from her skills and capacity to be present with their experiences."

The 2018 Witness Theatre group of Holocaust survivors & adolescents, led by Barbara, reflects on their experience:

Reflections Video

Current Offerings

Check back soon for more info on

upcoming CE trainings, workshops, and more!