Psychodrama is one of the oldest group therapies, developed in 1921 by Jacob Moreno. Moreno used a triadic system – sociometry, psychodrama, and group psychotherapy – each of which parts can be effective in addressing complex trauma. Many traumatic memories revolved around relational trauma – harm caused by someone with whom we have a significant relationship with (parents, partners, children, etc.). Psychodrama provides complex trauma survivors with significantly opportunities to renegotiate relational trauma and offer corrective experiences.
What does Psychodrama look like?
Psychodrama can be used in one-on-one therapy, couples/family therapy, or in group therapy. Psychodrama is an experiential psychotherapy approach that utilizes role playing techniques and other action methods to address psychosocial issues. Aside from its usefulness in complex PTSD, Psychodrama appears to be a promisingly effective treatment for grief/loss, anxiety, and depression.
Psychodrama Sessions
Psychodrama sessions vary from person to person and session to session. Rooted in spontaneity and creativity, each session is improvised and co-created between client and therapist. Psychodrama allows us to go beyond talking about an issue or healing, and instead to talk directly to the people or parts of self related to the trauma or healing. For example, in psychodrama, we could have a conversation with our courage to connect more with it, or we could have a discussion with the wall we put up to protect ourselves, or we could have closure with a loved-one who died, or express anger to someone who hurt us.
Psychodrama allows us to travel through time and talk to ourselves as a child to offer protection or nurturing – or travel into the future to strengthen a vision of ourselves related to our healing goals. Psychodrama can also be used to practice or rehearse for future situations that we expect to find ourselves in.
Phoenix Center Therapists
We have several therapists on our team that integrate Psychodrama into their practice. Our Director, Dr. Scott Giacomucci is a Board-Certified Psychodrama Trainer and provides regular Psychodrama training for our team and outside professionals.
Therapists that Integrate Expressive Arts Therapy
Upcoming Professional Psychodrama Workshops
with Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP
