PSYCHODRAMA IN A SMALL, PRIVATE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

Abstract

Psychodrama began as an innovation therapy at Brook Lane Psychiatric Center, Hagerstown, Md. in September, 1963, and has continued to be an important part of the therapeutic program over the ensuing five years. Two patient groups meet in the auditorium on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for two hours each. There is also a staff training session each Wednesday afternoon. Groups are directed by the clinical psychologist, aided by at least two therapeutic assistants. Private sessions are arranged from time to time for an individual patient. These may also be attended by one or more of his relatives, and his psychiatrist or social worker as well as the director and his assistants. One or two psychodrama workshops for clergy have been held each year with the hospital chaplain and the psychodramatist as co-directors.