PSYCHODRAMA AS EXPERIENTIAL INSERVICE TRAINING

Abstract

In the process of setting up and operating a new acute inpatient psychiatric unit, a vital aspect to consider is the inservice training program. Staff development and growth seems to be an integral part of such an endeavor.
A certain amount of factual information and data such as psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature is necessary for the members of such a unit. If it is apparent that there are some members who lack background in dealing with patients presenting psychological problems, my feeling is that such a lack can only be partially filled didactically through lectures and film presentations. While this certainly fulfills some vital needs of staff, the addition of an experiential learning opportunity decisively augments the didactic program.