After the Psychodrama
The Importance & Process of Integration
Keywords:
Psychodrama; integration; cognitive processing; emotional processing; mandala-makingAbstract
Psychodrama is becoming increasingly recognized for its profound impact on individuals’ cognitive and emotional processes. However, without a period of intentional integration following the sharing phase of a psychodrama, participants may not apply learnings from the psychodrama to their lives. This article offers practical strategies to promote effective integration, helping to ensure the transformative benefits of psychodrama are sustained and reinforced over time. The integration practices offered here address the whole person, including body-based strategies for nervous system recalibration, and suggestions for cognitive-linear and intuitive-symbolic processing. In addition, we highlight the use of mandalas that incorporate both text and images, offering a holistic strategy for integration following a psychodrama. By implementing these integration strategies after the psychodrama, practitioners and trainers can enhance the overall efficacy of psychodrama and support participants in achieving more long-lasting psychological growth and well-being.
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