Patients act out past events to explore present issues in psychodrama, a type of experiential, action-based therapy.

Role-playing, dramatic self-expression, and group dynamics are elements of this form of therapy, aimed at helping patients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. It uses a group setting but works as an individual therapy. It contains theatrical and sociological concepts, but also has a psychological underpinning. Sessions are usually held once a week in groups of 8 to 12 he. An average session lasts about 2 hours.  Each session usually focuses on one member of the group. Other group her members then take on supporting roles as needed throughout the session. 

Each session typically focuses on a single member of the group. Then, as needed throughout the session, other group members will assume supportive roles.

A Psychodrama Session is Composed of These Three Fundamental Elements:

The Warm Up Phase

Members of the group introduce themselves, attempt to build trust, and forge a sense of group cohesion during the warm-up phase.

The Action Phases

The action phase entails staging and performing a scene from the person’s life. The therapist takes on the role of a director, leading the protagonist and other group members through the scene using a variety of strategies, such as:

Doubling: This entails a group member simulating the protagonist’s feelings and actions. The actor will express what they think the main character thinks or what they appear to be keeping back. Through the activity, the protagonist’s internal reality and the reality of the outside world are connected.

Mirroring: is when someone watches while others role-play conversations, scenes, and events so they may watch. This method can be helpful when someone needs to step back from their emotions in order to get perspective or when they want to better understand their feelings.

Role-playing: In this technique, the subject assumes the role of anything, frequently a specific person or thing that causes stress or conflict in their life.

Role reversal: In this technique, the protagonist assumes the role of another character while a different actor plays the protagonist’s part. This can enhance one’s capacity for empathy and understanding from the viewpoint of another person.

Soliloquy: The protagonist in a soliloquy tells the audience about their innermost feelings and ideas. This is done to aid in catharsis and to aid the person in developing a deeper understanding of their inner feelings and thoughts. 

The Sharing Phases

The therapist subsequently assists the patient in processing and comprehending the feelings and thoughts that have surfaced during the sharing phase. It is hoped that this would result in understanding and change.

In this stage, other group members are also asked to provide their perspectives that could aid the protagonist in better comprehending their own experiences.

Benefits

According to Research, Psychodrama may have the Following Possible Advantages:

• Psychodrama tic treatment may provide a greater sense of competence and self-efficacy, according to research. It might help us comprehend trauma better and find ways to deal with it.
• The fact that psychodrama has a wide range of applications is another advantage. It can be modified to fit a person’s needs and circumstances. It has been employed in a range of contexts, including business, teaching, administration, training, and religion, in addition to helping individuals.
• Additionally, psychodrama can be combined with other psychotherapy techniques. It may be used in conjunction with psychoanalysis, behavioural therapy, play therapy, hypnotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, and Gestalt therapy, according to certain researchers.

Effectiveness

Even though additional research is required, there is some evidence that psychodrama is helpful. Some of the studies demonstrating its effectiveness include:

• Psychodrama was found to be beneficial for enhancing feelings of safety, self-image, and coping mechanisms in a study of traumatized teenagers.
• In a different investigation of the use of psychodrama in the management of eating disorders, it was discovered that this method of therapy assisted patients in integrating the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural facets of their own experiences. The researchers concluded that psychodrama was an effective therapy approach for treating eating problems.
• A 2020 study discovered that using psychodrama with teenagers significantly improved their social skills and sense of well-being.
• Another 2020 study that was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology hypothesized that trauma-focused drama therapy could be beneficial for the treatment of PTS (PTSD). Psychodrama therapy patients reported a 25% decrease in PTSD symptoms.

It’s crucial to be aware that despite the rise in popularity of psychodrama, there isn’t much evidence to support its effects. To ascertain its potential advantages and applications, more study is required.

The importance of trust and confidentiality among the group of individuals taking part in the psychodrama sessions should also be considered. It’s crucial to screen and pick employees that fit the experience, but doing so can be expensive and time-consuming.

Sessions including psychodrama can be emotionally taxing as well, and some people may find the format upsetting or unsettling. Some people may discover that they feel worse before they feel better after acting out painful episodes from their past because doing so can bring up deep or uncomfortable feelings.

If you are searching for “top psychologist in India” connect with TalktoAngel an online counselling platform and connect with the best online counsellors and psychologist online.