EXTENDED DOUBLING AND MIRRORING "IN SITU" IN THE MENTAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Some psychodramatic techniques have use outside the regular psychodrama session. Role reversal, for example, is often used spontaneously by non professional hospital aides in conflict situations with patients. Doubling may also have its value on the mental hospital ward. On a ward of defective delin- quents doubling was used in specific situations for an extended period of time with apparent value.

In one situation, a moderately retarded adult was withdrawing from decision situations. His passive behavior was preventing him from achieving any progress toward his rehabilitation. He was well acquainted with the doubling procedure from attendance at psychodrama sessions. One day the therapist noted this patient anxiously pacing the ward. The therapist followed him for long periods of time utilizing doubling techniques, stopping at intervals for direct interaction.