Stanislavski' s Affective Memory as a Therapeutic Tool
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12926/cy13jv08Keywords:
Therapeutic ToolAbstract
Stanislavski's Method is a dramatic technique that has traditionally been used only by actors. This article explores the possibilities of incorporating this method into traditional modes of drama therapy and into therapy in general. The relative controllability and reliability of Stanislavski's Method is also compared with the more common drama games now being employed in drama therapy.
A case study-involving delinquent boys exemplifies how this method can be used as a therapeutic tool to uncover suppressed life experiences and to achieve mood alterations within minutes. Further implications for using Stanislavski's affective memory technique in therapy are discussed, and relative guidelines are given for when this technique should and should not be employed.
References
Hagen, U. (1973). Respect for acting. New York: Macmillan.
Irwin, E. C. (1987). Drama: The play's the thing. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 21(4), 276-283.
Irwin, E. C. (1986). Drama therapy in diagnosis and treatment. Child Welfare, LXV #4, 347-356.
Johnston, C. J., Healey, N. K., & Magid, T. D. (1985). Drama and interpersonal problem solving: A dynamic interplay for adolescent groups. Child Care Quarterly, 14, 238-246.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.