In psychodrama treatment past life experiences are brought to the surface through dramatization and role-playing.  This can help those suffering from past childhood or adult trauma to handle the emotions associated with this ordeal in a healthy way.  Psychodrama, when overseen by a professional therapist trained in this method, can be an effective way to heal from trauma.  The past situations are reenacted, allowing the actions and behavior to then be reflected upon by the trauma victim and a therapist to better understand the situation.  This can be an effective way to offer closure after trauma, while better understanding the situation and all parties involved.

It is important that psychodrama for treating trauma be employed by a therapist that is trained in these techniques, allowing for the best opportunity for healing.  While the experience may be difficult to relive, the healing that goes along with this is very therapeutic and can offer lasting results for those suffering from trauma.

What to Expect from a Psychodrama Session

Psychodrama therapy can take place as an individual or a group.  The trauma victim will choose a past event or situation to focus on, working to reenact important situations associated with the event.  This may be a depiction of the traumatic event and other times surrounding the trauma.  The emotions and interpersonal interaction are acted out.  This can be done with just the individual and the therapist, or in other cases other participants may provide additional characters in the real-life scenario. 

Techniques of Psychodrama to Address Traumatic Experiences

There are several psychodrama techniques that can be utilized during this type of trauma treatment.  One includes mirroring.  In this technique the trauma victim acts out the experience.  Another individual will then be asked to step in the scene and portray the individual in the role, using their own spin on the situation.  The technique of Doubling employs a second person to make conscious thoughts or feelings during the role playing.  The job of this person is to bring to the consciousness of the trauma victim feelings and thoughts that they may be experiencing but unable to express during the traumatic event.

During the technique of Role Playing the trauma sufferer will portray a person that is a problem for them, oftentimes the source of the trauma.  Soliloquy engages the trauma victim to speak their thoughts aloud, often before a small audience, to build self-knowledge and awareness.  Role reversal is where the victim is asked to play a different role in the scene, while another actor is playing them. 

All these psychodrama techniques can be enlightening for someone suffering from a traumatic event, as it brings often suppressed feelings to the surface.  A therapist trained in psychodrama techniques, combined with a helpful group of other participants, can make all the difference.  The person suffering from past trauma can finally have the opportunity to address these events and the feelings associated with them in a safe and healthy environment.