The Use of Psychodrama in Individual Psychotherapy

Marsha B. Stein; Monica Leonie Callahan

Authors

Marsha B. Stein Author
Monica Leonie Callahan Author

Keywords:

Individual Psychotherapy, Psychodrama

Abstract

While psychodrama is most commonly applied in the group setting, psychodramatic theory and techniques may also be utilized in the
therapeutic dyad. The clinician incorporates segments of psychodramatic role playing and other techniques into the ongoing therapy
process and participates actively with the client in their implementation. This format calls for some modifications of psychodramatic pro-
cedures and, more importantly, has significant consequences for the role of the therapist and for the therapeutic relationship itself. Rele-
vant clinical issues in this regard include: (a) the effect of the therapist's role-playing involvement on the operation of transference,
(b) the effect of the therapist's directiveness on the client's struggles with dependency, and (c) the appropriateness of certain psycho-
dramatic techniques for certain clients. These issues are discussed, along with suggested clinical guidelines

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The Use of Psychodrama in Individual Psychotherapy

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