Psychodrama

Drama Therapy involves the practice of embodying different roles in real-time that are therapeutic. For example, if a person dislikes their job and wants to leave, but is fearful to take the next steps, this is an example of two parts of a person that are at odds. My approach depends on the comfort level of my client, but I often use this method by helping people identify these conflicting parts of themselves, and express themselves from those different points of view.

Once I met the world of psychodrama it enhanced my approach with clients. Doing simple techniques to allow a shift in thinking is what this approach has done for my clients.

It is my belief that, through years of helping clients, at times talking only may not help. I will do role plays, dramatizations of your life with key people, and act out what may have gone on in your life. This will help you get a much better perspective as to what keeps you stuck.

I am a registered Drama Therapist (RDT), but sadly that option wasn't listed. I work with playfulness and interactive processes, to help you discover new ways of seeing the world, new roles to open up to in your life, and the possibility of making new choices and patterns. Don't worry, this isn't about "making you act"! Together, we can improve your ability to respond to life situations with more spontaneity and less uncertainty, by practicing new skills and playing with new ways of responding.

I have used psychodrama with spectrum disorder, low self-esteem, depressed, anxious and other clients, to help them overcome their blocks and learn new skills and behaviors, which help them create flexibility and empowerment in conquering life.

I have have enhanced my work with a number of individual and group drama techniques, especially Forum Theater, in which participants get to generate and try out their own solutions to challenges in a safe setting, before attempting change in the rest of life.

I have 400+ hours of training in psychodrama from Centerwood Institute, and currently hold the title of Assistant Director of Psychodrama. Psychodrama is an action method in which individuals use spontaneous dramatization, role playing, and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight into their lives. Psychodrama can be used to explore parts of self, as well as interpersonal relationship dynamics.

I graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters in Theatre Emphasis Drama Therapy, which I like to incorporate in my sessions to add to the healing experience.

I incorporate elements of Psychodrama in my individual work and in the groups I facilitate. I am actively engaged in professional development and training in this area.

I had 700+ psychodrama training hours. I utilize experiential & expressive art techniques to facilitate people's creativity, spontaneity & flexibility in all levels (cognition, emotion, & behavior). I create an experiential process to impact people inside & outside of therapy, which empowers them to gain new experience internally and externally. Therefore, they develop a stronger self & I believe through the experiential process, the changes made in therapy fundamentally last longer.

"Everything that is learned in action must also be unlearned in action." (J.L. Moreno)