Stanislavski' s Affective Memory as a Therapeutic Tool

Abstract

Stanislavski's Method is a dramatic technique that has traditionally been used only by actors. This article explores the possibilities of incorporating this method into traditional modes of drama therapy and into therapy in general. The relative controllability and reliability of Stanislavski's Method is also compared with the more common drama games now being employed in drama therapy.
A case study-involving delinquent boys exemplifies how this method can be used as a therapeutic tool to uncover suppressed life experiences and to achieve mood alterations within minutes. Further implications for using Stanislavski's affective memory technique in therapy are discussed, and relative guidelines are given for when this technique should and should not be employed.