Psychodrama Therapy

What is Psychodrama?

Psychodrama is a therapeutic approach that uses guided drama and role-playing to help individuals explore their emotions, experiences, and relationships. By acting out situations, patients can gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and behaviors, often uncovering hidden issues that have been affecting their mental health and fueling their substance abuse.

Particularly effective in the management of family and abuse-related issues, psychodrama has been around for nearly 100 years and was founded by Dr. J.L. Moreno. Used in both clinical and non-clinical settings, psychodrama has helped patients gain insights into their lives that have been instrumental in their recovery.

How Does Psychodrama Therapy Work?

Psychodrama therapy involves patients or “protagonists” participating in skits that simulate their interactions in various relationships. Sessions are administered by experts and are meant to help patients observe and identify patterns of behavior that may have played a role in their substance abuse or mental disorder. For example, psychodrama is often used to treat PTSD patients who have a hard time moving past their traumatic experiences. It is played out through a variety of techniques, including:

• Role Reversal – Patients play the role of a significant person in their life while the therapist assumes the role of the patient. This is particularly helpful in couples therapy.
• Mirroring – Patients act out an experience and then an expert mirrors their actions in the following scene.
• Doubling – The expert acts out a scene as the patient’s other self.

Psychodrama therapy helps patients express their emotional truths and achieve balanced mental health and freedom from trauma. We have partnered with psychodrama pioneer, and former student of J.L Moreno, Dr. Meg Givnish. Dr. Givnish is the founder of the Problem-Solving Theater troupe and has been influential in the clinical evolution of psychodrama. She was one of the first professionals to ever be certified as a trainer, educator, and practitioner by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy.

How Psychodrama Therapy Treats Substance Abuse

Addiction and mental health challenges often cause individuals to suppress their emotions, fearing that expressing them might lead to judgment or rejection. This suppression can lead to a sense of isolation and create emotional turmoil, which some individuals try to escape through substance use. Psychodrama therapy offers a constructive outlet for these suppressed feelings, allowing participants to express themselves freely in a supportive environment. Through this process, they learn to articulate their emotions and share their experiences, breaking the cycle of isolation.

For many recovering addicts, the ability to express themselves openly is a critical step in the healing process. Psychodrama provides a unique platform where they can safely confront and release the emotions that have been fueling their addiction. Engaging in this form of therapy helps them develop a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape and find healthier ways to cope with stress and trauma.

Participating in psychodrama sessions with others who have faced similar struggles can be incredibly validating. Group settings encourage individuals to connect with their peers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. This shared experience helps participants feel understood and accepted, reducing the feelings of isolation that can often accompany addiction. The insights gained from these sessions empower individuals to move forward in their recovery journey with a renewed sense of hope and resilience.