PSYCHODRAMA IN A CLINICAL PASTORAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

A series of psychodramas with Protestant theological students and ministers took place as part of a Summer School of Pastoral Care conducted at a state mental hospital (Worcester) under the auspices of the Institute of Pastoral Care and a theological seminary. The objectives for the Summer School students were (a) clinical, to experience the special problems of ministering to the mental patient; (b) personal, to learn to understand themselves better; and ( c) theological, to enhance their competence as clergymen in the
community. For these purposes, then, the training program offered seven weekly psychodrama sessions which were conducted by the writer and at which attendance was voluntary. The purpose of this paper is to indicate some of the results of applying the psychodramatic method to the exploration of clinical, personal, and theological issues that are pertinent to such a pastoral care program.