In the middle of the 1930s, J.L. Moreno established psychodrama as a method of
psychotherapy. Moreno concluded that some facets of the mind were inaccessible
through language. He determined that improvisational theater can be an effective way of
communication and therapeutic healing in situations when sentiments are expressed
through action, interpersonal interaction, or visualization. In psychodrama, clients analyze
their difficulties through role-playing and act out scenarios utilizing dramatic devices to
acquire understanding, delve into their creativity, and acquire new behavioral skills
(Corey, 2023). The psychodrama method that I would consider using in a nonpsychodrama group is working in the present; this process can assist the group in bringing
encounters, circumstances, or challenges that may be part of its unconsciousness to
consciousness. This approach is directly tied to spontaneity and creativity in the here and
now. The fundamental principle of psychodrama is that participants can assess how an
event affected them at the time that it occurred and have the opportunity to respond to it
differently by reliving and reexperiencing a scenario from the past (Corey, 2023). Tele is
another concept I would consider in a non-psychodrama group. Tele is a change-related
therapeutic component that fosters healing through a mutually empathic feeling. A group's
cohesion and positive tele levels are correlated. A key aspect of improving self-awareness
is helping people become more consciously aware of their interpersonal preferences.
The existential method has components that can be combined with a spiritual or religious
organization, including self-awareness, self-determination, freedom, personal
responsibility, existential anxiety, death and nonbeing, the search for meaning, and the
search for authenticity. According to Corey (2023), existential therapists emphasize the
foremost challenges and significant challenges that individuals address in therapy. The
therapist should assist the individual in obtaining insight to reach a consensus that will
aid them through everyday obstacles (Corey, 2023).
Death and non-being are the aspects of an existential approach to group therapy that I
would find challenging to engage appropriately. The existential therapist believes that
learning about death is vital for discovering the purpose and significance of life. Although
life must end, it has a purpose, and when life is regarded seriously, it elevates. According
to Frankl (1963), the quality and significance of our lives are determined by how we live,
not how long we live. We only live for a limited existence on earth, and I have embraced
my mortality. In considering the fact that not everyone accepts mortality, I would consider
this concept challenging. We must know and understand that our actions might make a
difference, that we have opportunities, and that we are obligated to accept ultimate
responsibility, in addition, to embracing the emotional reality of our mortality (Corey et al.,
2018).
Corey G. (2023). Theory & practice of group counseling. (10th ed). Boston, MA: Cengage
Learning.
Corey, G., Corey, M., & Muratori, M. (2018). I never knew I had a choice (11th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
Frankl, V. (1963). Man’s search for meaning. Washington Square Press.