Psychodrama is a therapeutic discipline which uses action methods, sociometry, role training, and group dynamics to facilitate constructive change in the lives of participants. Based on the theories and methodology of Jacob L. Moreno, M.D. (1988-1974), psychodrama can be found in mental health programs, business, and education. Psychodramatists provide services to diverse groups—from children to the elderly, and from the chronically mentally ill to those seeking understanding and learning in their work settings.
By closely approximating life situations in a structured environment, the participant is able to recreate and enact scenes in a way which allows both insight and an opportunity to practice new life skills. In psychodrama, the client (or protagonist) focuses on a specific situation to be enacted. Other members of the group act as auxiliaries, supporting the protagonist in his or her work, by taking the parts or roles of significant others in the scene. This encourages the group as a whole to partake in the therapeutic power of the drama. The trained director helps to recreate scenes which might otherwise not be possible. The psychodrama then becomes an opportunity to practice new and more appropriate behaviors, and evaluate its effectiveness within the supportive atmosphere of the group. Because the dimension of action is present, psychodrama is often empowering in a way that exceeds the more traditional verbal therapies.
There are several additional branches of psychodrama. Sociometry is the study and measure of social choices within a group. Sociometry helps to bring to the surface patterns of acceptance or rejection and fosters increased group cohesion. This surfacing of the value systems and norms of a group allows for restructuring that will lower conflicts and foster synergistic relationships. Sociometry has been used in schools and corporations as well as within the mental health field. Sociodrama is a form of psychodrama that addresses the group’s perceptions on social issues. Rather than being the drama of a single protagonist, this is a process that allows the group as a whole to safely explore various perceptions. Members might address problems such as teenage pregnancy or drug abuse, and together arrive at understanding and innovative responses to these difficult issues.
The American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama was founded in April, 1942, by Dr. Moreno. This membership organization fosters the national and international cooperation of all who are concerned with the theory and practice of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. In 1947, Dr. Moreno also started the journal Group Psychotherapy, today known as The Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama, and Sociometry, the first journal devoted to group psychotherapy in all its forms.
The American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy is a national organization that sets and promotes standards for this discipline. Requirements for certification include a master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field, a minimum of 780 training hours under a board certified trainer, and supervised experience. Passing both a written and onsite examination are part of these requirements. There are two levels of certification. A Certified Practitioner (CP) has been professionally trained and supervised in psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy by a Board Certified Trainer Educator, Practitioner (TEP), has met established standards of the profession and has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Board of Examiners. A Trainer, Educator, Practitioner (TEP) is a Certified Practitioner who has received a minimum of three years additional supervised training, education, and experience in the design and implementation of professional training programs and has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Board of Examiners.
Psychodrama seeks to use a person’s creativity and spontaneity to reach his or her highest human potential. With its perspective on the social network in which an individual lives, it promotes mutual support and understanding. In explaining his work, Dr. Moreno stated psychodrama’s goal to make it possible for every person to take part in the creation of the structure of the universe, which “cannot have less an objective than the whole of mankind.”
For additional information contact:
The American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, Inc.
PO Box 1654
Merchantville, NJ, 018109-9998
Phone: (609) 737-8500
Email: asgpp@asgpp.org
Web Site: http://www.asgpp.org