Introduction to Action Methods

Action methods provide an additional dimension to group, individual, and couples work in many different settings. They are applicable in therapy, coaching, education, business, law, etc. They often allow a group or individual to move more quickly into authentic material, and can accelerate the formation of a positive group dynamic.

Format: This workshop consists of didactic presentation, experiential activity, and discussion/processing as it explores basic philosophies and techniques of psychodrama and drama therapy, including role enactment, role reversal, role training, and sociodrama. Basics of sociometry, such as spectrograms, locograms, and step-in sociometry, are also introduced. Participants will experience and practice these techniques as well as discuss their efficacy.

Participants: This workshop can be tailored to accommodate the needs of various participant groups, such as educators, counselors, group facilitators, therapists, etc. The more homogeneous the participants, the more specifically focused the workshop. Psychodrama or drama therapyexperience is not required, although a workshop can be designed specifically for psychodramatists and/or drama therapists in the early stages of their training.

Learning Outcomes – Participants will be able to:

  • describe some of the philosophical and practical differences between psychodrama and drama therapy;
  • facilitate at least three different action techniques for warming up a group;
  • outline advantages of and contraindications to working in action; and
  • list ways that they can incorporate action techniques into present or future work.

Logistics: This workshop can be offered as a full-day workshop with 6-7 hours of workshop time book-ended around a lunch break, a two-day workshop with 6-7 hours the first day and 5-6 the second, or a full weekend, including a Friday night introduction. Time is adjustable. Space needs include a room with movable chairs and large enough to accommodate the people involved. Tables off to the side and a blackboard or whiteboard are needed.