Theory and Practice of Action and Drama Techniques

Abstract

The subtitle for this philosophical tome is Developmental Psychotherapy From an Existential-Dialectical Viewpoint. The book might have been more accurately titled "A Foundation in Existential-Dialectical Developmental Psychology," or "A Phenomenological-Dialectical Approach to Personality and Its Application to Action-Based Therapies." Most likely, the publisher did not want a title that would intimidate readers, especially practitioners of action techniques. Actually, this book, or something like it, is exactly what practitioners of psychodrama and other action-based therapeutic techniques need most. Clearly, one of the most glaring deficits in the training and professional development of action-focused therapists is a coherent philosophical foundation out of which technique can develop and be guided. Verhofstadt-Deneve provides a well-grounded and philosophically sound approach to human psychology.
Unfortunately, many drama therapists and psychodramatists may find it difficult to interpret, especially if they do not read French. The author religiously preserves the French language of many important and seminal quotations and fails to include any translation to accompany them.