PSYCHODRAMA AS A TREATMENT OF CHOICE

Abstract

Psychodrama was selected as a treatment of choice for the benefit of a 65 year old dramatic actress in severe reactive depressions, in response to retirement from the stage due to waning energies. It was expected that the dimensions of the psychodramatic technique, calling for definition of problems, background setting and roles as well as role practice, role experimentation and role playing would free her for expression of her feelirigs and ensuing catharsis, since these dramatic modes were similar to her real life modalities of expression. It was also expected that her self esteem would be raised by discovering that she could adapt her fine professional skills to new goals, therapeutic rather than entertainment, and in a setting that did not make excessive demands upon her physical energies.