PSYCHODRAMA

Psychodrama is a therapeutic method that uses dramatic techniques, such as role-playing, to help
people understand and resolve their emotional conflicts1. During sessions, patient groups enact scenes
from their lives or dreams to gain insights and practice new ways of being in the world2.
The goal of psychodrama is for patients to gain mental clarity so they can learn new ways of thinking and
cope with their feelings surrounding the event. Through these exercises, patients may see improved
social skills, a boost in self-esteem, or a positive attitude shift 3. Psychodrama can teach adaptive coping
strategies, leading to resilience4.
Incorporating psychodrama into your recovery plan can offer a new perspective on healing and a deeper
understanding of yourself.
Origins and Development
Jacob Levy Moreno, a Romanian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, invented psychodrama in 1921 5.
Moreno studied the power of relationships and group interactions, seeing a person become the healing
agent for another. His creation was inspired by improvisation theater and the rise of the psychoanalytic
movement led by Sigmund Freud. It became the first form of group psychotherapy.
Moreno quickly developed one of the fundamental concepts, role theory, which shows how social roles
shape behavior6. People take on different roles in their lives, and exploring these roles in a therapeutic
setting can lead to insights and personal growth.
In the 1940s-60s, interest grew in psychodrama, and it became a therapeutic practice. Psychodrama was
applied not only in clinical settings but also in educational and community settings. Today, psychodrama
can be applied to family therapy, trauma work, and addiction treatment. It’s even being discussed as an
alternative method of education in schools.
Core Principles of Psychodrama
1. Spontaneity: Psychodrama encourages people to be themselves and express their feelings

freely.
2. Creativity: People use acting, games, and props to show what's going on inside them.
3. Catharsis: It helps people release pent-up emotions and feel better.
4. Social Connections: It helps people understand how their actions affect others and how they fit
in with others.
Key Roles in Psychodrama

There are 3 key characters in a psychodrama session: the protagonist,
auxiliary egos, and the director.
The protagonist takes center stage during a psychodrama session. They are
the main focus and typically present an issue or situation they want to explore
and work through. The protagonist enacts personal situations, bringing them
to life through role-playing.
Auxiliary egos are people in the group who play roles within the protagonist’s
enacted scenario. They may portray significant people, objects, or aspects of
the protagonist’s internal world. Auxiliary egos offer alternative perspectives
for the protagonist.
The director is the therapist or facilitator guiding the session. They set the
stage, facilitate interactions, and ensure a supportive environment. The
director leads warm-up activities, and they may intervene or suggest things to
facilitate exploration and resolution.
Techniques and Processes: How It Works
In a psychodrama session, you may participate in various techniques to find the best for your healing. At
the core, you will be role-playing as the protagonist or acting out specific roles or situations to explore
emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
From there, you could practice mirroring, where the auxiliary egos copy your behaviors, emotions, or
body language—this can foster self-awareness.
Another group member may practice doubling, voicing your thoughts and opinions for you. Speaking
your internal feelings aloud can help deepen your understanding of the event.
You may role reverse with another person, allowing you to experience the situation from a new
perspective.
Sometimes, you, as the protagonist, talk through your inner thoughts, providing insight into your internal
dialogue and expressed emotions. This is called soliloquy.
Practices such as these can strengthen your emotional awareness. The director (your therapist) will
ensure that the sociometry of the group is healthy and balanced, meaning the auxiliary egos are well
suited to support the protagonist. As group dynamics grow, these techniques will become easier and
easier, making room for deeper exploration.
Benefits:
- Helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and self-esteem.

Limitations:
- It needs special training for therapists and participants.
- It takes time and effort to work through things.
- It can be emotionally intense, so people need to be ready to feel their feelings.

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Psychodrama is a therapeutic method that uses dramatic techniques, such as role-playing, to help

Origins and Development

Core Principles of Psychodrama

1. Spontaneity: Psychodrama encourages people to be themselves and express their feelings

Key Roles in Psychodrama

Techniques and Processes: How It Works

- Helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and self-esteem.

- It needs special training for therapists and participants.

- It takes time and effort to work through things.

- It can be emotionally intense, so people need to be ready to feel their feelings.

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