Psychodrama

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How does psychodrama help?

Moreno described psychodrama as "the scientific exploration of truth through dramatic method." Using creativity combined with group dynamics and role theory, it aims to help clients gain a new perspective through a better understanding of their own roles in life.

This approach offers clients a safe space to explore their past, present or future. As clients gain a unique perspective, they are free to explore new solutions to the challenges they’re facing.

Within a psychodrama session, there will typically be a director, a stage area and participants. The director (psychodrama therapist) will facilitate the session and encourage participants to share how they related to the session and what they learnt.

The psychodrama therapist will draw on the group’s energy and spontaneity to explore the protagonist’s situation. This can include how past experiences have influenced thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the present, which in turn shapes the future.

By working in this creative way, the significance and meaning of events become clearer. Using imagination and the support of the group, the past can be reviewed and understood from a broader perspective while any unexpressed thoughts and emotions are released.

From this more complete understanding, it is hoped that a different possible future can be both imagined and experienced. New responses can then be identified and practised, giving the possibility of greater well-being in the future.

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Psychodrama techniques

Sessions usually comprise of three phases, a warm-up activity, the ‘action phase’ and then time for reflecting and sharing. A session will normally focus on one individual’s life situation with members of the group taking on roles as and when needed.

While psychodrama therapists may differ in their specific methods, the following techniques are often used:

• Role reversal - The protagonist acts out the role of someone other than themselves, someone important in their life. This can improve empathy and help the protagonist understand the other person’s role.
• Doubling - A group member will replicate the behaviour and actions of the protagonist, expressing out loud what they believe the protagonist is thinking/feeling. This can challenge the protagonist in a non-aggressive way.
• Mirroring - The protagonist takes a step back while group members act out the protagonist’s event. This can help those feeling distanced from their feelings about the scene gain a different perspective.
• Soliloquy - The protagonist relates their inner thoughts to the audience (other group members).

Once the action phase is finished, the sharing phase begins. This is when the director shifts back into a counsellor role, talking to the group about feelings that were provoked during the session. This offers space for group discussion and reflection.

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What can psychodrama help with?

Most mental health concerns can be addressed using psychodrama. The following are common examples:

• depression
• phobias
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• eating disorders
• self-harm
• alcohol and drug abuse
• relationship issues
• family difficulties

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What is the difference between psychodrama and dramatherapy?

Both psychodrama and dramatherapy utilise drama and theatre techniques and can work in individual and group settings. There are however a few notable differences:

How it works

Psychodrama identifies a protagonist with a specific issue. The therapist works directly with the protagonist, maintaining their focus on this problem throughout the psychodrama, while utilising group energies and creativity.

Dramatherapy can work in a direct way when it is appropriate and helpful for the client, but it also offers distance from the dilemma. This aims to make it easier for clients to perceive their concerns from a different angle.

Technique

Psychodrama works directly with the protagonist's story and uses distancing techniques when required. Dramatherapy often uses metaphor, a myth or story (distancing techniques) to identify a universal theme, which helps the client be more playful and explore their issue with less shame.

Outcome

Psychodrama aims to have a resolution, or potential solution, by the end of the session. Dramatherapy often leaves the client with new information and a different view of the dilemma at the end of the session, which they can go on to consider and reflect on further in their own time.

Regulation

Psychodrama is not legally protected, however, it is recognised as a form of psychotherapy and is registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Dramatherapy is legally protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning that dramatherapists need to be registered with the HCPC to be called a drama therapist.