Understand how the psychodrama therapeutic model works

Developed in the 1920s by the Romanian psychiatrist Jacob Levy Moreno, psychodrama is a therapeutic model that uses dramaturgy to treat mental disorders. It can be done in groups or individually. Furthermore, according to Angela Alves, a psychologist and specialist in therapy family and couple, the psychodramatic approach aims to recover the creativity and spontaneity of patients through specific dramatic techniques, making it possible to re-signify traumas experienced and seek self-knowledge.

Techniques used

As Angela Alves explains, the techniques most used in psychodrama are:

• Role reversal: the patient assumes the role of the other, in an attempt to experience that person’s experiences;
• Soliloquy: the patient externalizes thoughts during acting;
• Resistance interpolation: it consists of the unexpected modification of the scene, leading the patient to work with improvisation;
• Statue: Opatient represents an emotion or an object through his motionless body;
• Symbolic representation: it consists of a game in which an object is placed on the scene so that the patient starts a daily subject or even a representation.

The psychologist points out that, before starting the techniques, the psychotherapist must explain in detail to the group or individual how the dynamic will work, thus guaranteeing the participation and involvement of all.

benefits of psychodrama

In addition to assisting in the treatment of different issues of mental healthsuch as affective disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and eating disorders, psychodrama also offers other benefits to the patient’s life.

“Through this approach, the individual is led to recognize conflicts and to seek new ways of acting in the social environment in which he lives”, clarifies Angela Alves. The professional adds that the psychodramatic model helps to awaken the patient’s empathetic side, which consequently transforms their perceptions of life and way of relating.

An approach for everyone

In general, everyone can benefit from psychodramatic treatment, be it a child, an adult or an elderly person. “Like any other approach, psychodrama is no exception to the rule, as it is indicated for all individuals who seek to cure themselves of their pain, suffering, traumas and relational problems”, evaluates Angela Alves.

Duration and stages of treatment

The duration of a treatment with the psychodramatic approach varies from patient to patient. However, according to psychologist Angela Alves, in most cases, follow-up usually lasts from 6 months to 1 year.

The treatment stages are divided into planning and execution of dramatizations. “In a first moment, called warm-up, there is the preparation of the scenario and the theme to be dramatized. Next, theater in practice takes place. Finally, there is the sharing phase, in which the link between the artistic experience and reality is made”, details Heloá Ribeiro, psychologist and specialist in Stress and Trauma.

Psychodrama and the use of medication

Depending on the case, the psychodramatic approach can be aligned with the use of medication to help the patient treat a symptom. ” The use of drugs combined with psychotherapeutic techniques will enable an improvement. Medicines help alleviate the symptoms and psychologists help to reframe the pain”, exemplifies Angela Alves.

However, it must be remembered that the psychologist cannot prescribe medication, as this task is only up to the psychiatrist. Thus, for Heloá Ribeiro, the ideal is for psychology and psychiatry professionals to work together during the initial assessment of the patient and the period of medication use.

Differences between psychodrama and other psychotherapies

A striking feature that differs psychodrama from other approaches is the therapeutic process itself, in which “the patient has the opportunity to act out their pain, difficulties and problems, making questions arise and emotions become simpler to be observed”, analyzes psychologist Angela Alves.