The Covert Psychodrama of Phobias

Abstract

People who suffer from phobias may be treated through group covert psychodrama. During eight weekly 2-hour sessions, 10 young adults were trained in relaxation technique and were encouraged to maintain inner tranquility while visualizing the events leading to their phobic reactions. Reconditioning occurred as a result of repeated imaginary experiences in which superimposed relaxation replaced anxiety. Seven months after the experiment, 8 subjects continued to report themselves symptom free.