The Handbook Of Psychodrama

This handbook is a comprehensive introduction, using first-hand accounts of psychodrama sessions. The contributors vividly illustrate the contribution dramatic improvisation can make to emotional health.

This handbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of psychodrama for professional and trainee psychodramatists. Following an introduction to the history and philosophy of psychodrama the theory is then brought to life by detailed first-hand accounts of psychodrama sessions. The structure of the book innovatively reflects that of the classic psychodrama session - Warm Up, Action, Sharing and the subsequent Processing. Chapters on psychodrama in action include discussion on the new use of psychodrama in the treatment of depression, and the relationship of the discipline to other group psychotherapies. The contributors vividly illustrate the contribution dramatic improvisation can make to emotional health.

This handbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of psychodrama for professional and trainee psychodramatists. Following an introduction to the history and philosophy of psychodrama the theory is then brought to life by detailed first-hand accounts of psychodrama sessions. The structure of the book innovatively reflects that of the classic psychodrama session - Warm Up, Action, Sharing and the subsequent Processing. Chapters on psychodrama in action include discussion on the new use of psychodrama in the treatment of depression, and the relationship of the discipline to other group psychotherapies. The contributors vividly illustrate the contribution dramatic improvisation can make to emotional health.

Psychodrama: Advances in Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the theory and practice of psychodrama, integrating different psychodramatic schools of thought. Psychodrama is one of the pioneering approaches of psychotherapy and is practised by thousands of practitioners and in most countries of the world. The editors of this volume bring together contributions from Europe, South America, Australia, Israel and the USA to explain and explore recent innovations. They look at how psychodrama has contributed to the development of psychotherapy, introducing concepts that have had a profound influence on other therapies. These include concepts such as role theory, the encounter, the co-unconscious, the social atom, sociometry, action research, group psychotherapy, the cycle of spontaneity and creativity, role play and many related concepts and techniques. This book will be of great interest to all students, practitioners and trainers in the field of psychodrama. It will also appeal to professionals and students in the related fields of psychotherapy, counselling, psychology and psychiatry.

The practice of psychodrama allows participants to create a world for themselves, free of usual rules and constraints. This freedom from all ordinary conventions is what Moreno called 'Surplus Reality', and is one of the most vital, curative and mysterious elements of psychodrama. In this book, Leif Dag Blomkvist and Zerka Moreno explore the depths of this long-neglected concept. In addition, each chapter is prefaced by Leif Dag Blomkvist's explanations and illuminations of the forces and energies - from early religious rituals and festivals to the art of Surrealism - which have influenced psychodrama. Psychodramatists and mental health professionals who wish to take therapy beyond the 'verbal' will find the book valuable reading.

Dramatherapy is being increasingly practised in a range of therapeutic settings and is of growing interest to theatre practitioners and teachers. The Handbook of Dramatherapy brings together five authors who have considerable experience of clinical, artistic and educational work to provide an easy-to-read introduction to the major models of dramatherapy. The authors explain the differences between dramatherapy and psychodrama, discuss its relationship with theatre art, look at assessment and evaluation techniques, and argue the need for more appropriate methods of research for this increasingly popular form of therapeutic treatment. The Handbook of Dramatherapy provides a comprehensive basis for theory and practice and will be an invaluable resource for all students of dramatherapy and theatre.

`The book is helpfully structured with its cental chapters broadly following the shape of a typical psychodrama session′ - Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling & Psychology `As with all Paul Wilkins writings the book is thorough and well-researched, with a wealth of information arising from wide readership and personal communication.... My own view is that the book fulfils its aim as an introduction to psychodrama for the audience it addresses. It also is packed with information about areas which experienced psychodramatists and sociodramatists will wish to debate′ - British Psychodrama Association Journal The text unfolds in such a way that the central feature of psychodrama as an action therapy is spontaneously made manifest. The book is good for students of this method and would be a challenging refresher for practitioners in the field. All the special terms used by psychodramatists are defined in a succinct glossary so that the uninitiated will not be bewildered on first encountering "auxilliary egos", "surplus reality", "social atoms" or even the titillating idea of "act hunger"! The "Guide to further reading" and the section on psychodrama and the internet ensure that old-fashioned book- and journal-worms are as well catered for as cybersleuths′ -New Therapist This fascinating book introduces the rationale, theory and psychotherapeutic practice of psychodrama. It provides an insight into its origins, outlining its techniques and bringing to life the dynamic interrelationships that form the core of the practice. Following the theatrical process that lies at the heart of psychodrama, the book shows how the enactment of scenes from the past, present or future, real or imagined, can benefit the group of individuals involved, leading to unexpected insight and growth through creativity and spontaneity. Psychodramatic terms and processes are explained and illustrated using numerous examples from practice.

This book offers a comprehensive guide to psychodrama, including the underlying philosophy, methodology, theory and applications. Taking readers through the process of staging a psychodrama session, from the contracting phase, exploration and enactment to closure and integration, the book also presents brief short examples to illustrate how to choose the best methodological approach for any context, and describes in detail the various psychodrama techniques and their application in practice, with indications, contraindications, typical pitfalls and FAQs. The book demonstrates that psychodrama is not merely a collection of methods and techniques and that the potential of psychodrama cannot be fully utilized without an in-depth knowledge of its conceptual foundations. With examples from a range of practices, it shows the broad applicability of psychodrama in therapeutic and non-therapeutic contexts alike, e.g. in educational contexts (school and adult education), social work, organization development, coaching and many other fields. This easy-to-read book uses jargon-free language and will appeal to psychotherapy researchers and practitioners, as well as non-therapeutic professionals like human resource consultants and life coaches. This is a translated and revised edition of the best-selling German book Psychodrama: Grundlagen (Springer, 2014, 3rd edition).