"Chapter 1. Traumatic Stress and Spontaneity: Trauma-Focused and Strengths-Based Psychodrama"
Authors: Giacomucci, S., DSW, LCSW, BCD, FAAETS, PAT
Source: Psychodrama: Advances in Psychotherapy and Psychoeducational Interventions. June, 2021. https://novapublishers.com/shop/psychodrama-advances-in-psychotherapy-and-psychoeducational-interventions/
Publication type: Book Chapter
Abstract: Spontaneity is the curative agent in psychodrama psychotherapy. This chapter explores the inverse relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spontaneity, presenting a conceptualization of trauma through Morenean spontaneity-creativity theory. Trauma-focused psychodrama and strengths-based psychodrama approaches are presented including the Therapeutic Spiral Model’s Trauma Triangle. Relationships between spontaneity, safety, warming-up, resilience, trauma, and post-traumatic growth are also be explored. Psychodrama history is outlined as it relates to psychodramatic treatment of PTSD while Morenean philosophy is highlighted as a strengths-based framework. A clinical vignette is depicted from this author’s psychodrama practice with trauma survivors. The power of strengths-based psychodrama is emphasized through a trauma-focused psychodrama group example. Furthermore, contributions from the larger fields of trauma therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, and classical psychodrama are integrated into the chapter to provide an expanded understanding. Strengths-based psychodrama’s unique capacity for corrective emotional experiences positions it as a particularly effective approach in the treatment of PTSD and the cultivation of post-traumatic growth. Client drop-out rates and the intolerability of trauma treatment can be mitigated through the use of strengths-based roles with attention to safety, containment, attachment, and empowerment.