The director — As the title implies, the director is the group leader trained in psychodrama that facilitates dramatic actions exhibited by the members of the group (American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), 2014; Gimenez Hinkle, 2008, p. 408; Psychology Encyclopedia, 2017). The director advises and recommends the protagonist, actors, and the audience at various times throughout the course of the psychodrama to shift their viewpoints or create a different scene so that the particular topic or subject matter can be viewed …show more content…
They assume the role of the protagonist’s choosing such as a family member, friend, co-worker, or even an inner ‘self’ (doubling) of the protagonist. Their duties include “acting in the here-and-now, taking direction from the protagonist…and function to pull the protagonist deeper into awareness and experience” (Gimenez Hinkle, 2008, p. 408). Another responsibility for auxiliaries is to provide feedback throughout the enactment which also has the added plus of limiting transference to the group leader (director).
The stage — The stage can be an actual raised platform where the enactment takes place or it can simply be a generic, designated area from which to operate. In either case, it should be understood that the chosen area is being utilized as a ‘still picture’ or a ‘live moment’ from the protagonist’s life and as such should not be disturbed for everyday actions while in use. This is due to the imaginary nature of the psychodrama process so as not to interrupt or interfere with the protagonist’s phenomenological world (American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, 2014; Psychology Encyclopedia, …show more content…
Suffice it to say, there are just some things that cannot be learned via theoretical constructs or simply talking. Sometimes the usage of expressive, artistic talents are warranted to fully embrace the emotional side of what it means to be human. Additionally, one role I previously left out that the actors can play is that of God. There are many facets of life that are beyond our comprehension due to our finiteness, but this does not make them any less frustrating. In closing, I support the use of psychodrama in light of my faith. Like any other therapy it could have negative side effects if the leader is ill-equipped or lacks the proper skills and training, but overall I see the good outweighing the