Foundations of Psychodrama: History, Theory, and Practice

Abstract

Adam Blatner's new edition of Foundations of Psychodrama is certainly a classic. Psychodramatic literature is rife with technique-oriented, how-to-doit manuals, which have their place, but we have little beyond Moreno's works themselves for the why-to-do-it. Blatner, wisely, does not trust "Trust the method." Techniques used without a clear understanding of their rationale can be more harmful than helpful. Directors who go by the book are confused when the unforeseen arises, or they fail when patients sense that the therapist is operating by rote. Blatner enumerates Yalom's eleven healing factors in group therapy and convincingly shows how psychodrama can contribute to them all. No director needs to be at loose ends with so many useful goals at hand. Though Blatner's explanations have their roots in philosophy, they are simple, logical, and utterly clear. He never uses a big word when a small one will do, and when a small one will not do, he defines the big word. He is not stingy with examples when they help, but neither does he fill pages with verbatim quotes from sessions. He may offer a dozen dissimilar examples in as many lines. There is no filler; each sentence is straight to the point so the book has lots to say in its 245 pages. Although the orientation is purely Morenian, a major difference exists between Moreno and Blatner. Blatner is easy to understand. He understands Moreno and explains his theories in plain English.
Often I thought, "Of course. I see now what Moreno meant." With one notable exception, Blatner has only good to say about others' ideas and mercifully ignores the rest. He picks the gold coin out of the rubbish with a gentle thanks. That was not Moreno's style.