research

[Adam Blatner]

a friend asked me the following questions:

Q  I am seeking your opinions about Psychodrama research, i.e. not enough, too much, which 
way it should move, whether to abandon it altogether, or maybe a total reframe?
A This is a puzzling question, as research is not my strength. Certainly, the field needs 
more if it to substantiate its claim as being therapeutic. The key question asked by 
science is "...but is it so?"

   The problem is that classical psychodrama is rarely practiced over any length of time:
       1. in hospitals and clinics, the turn-over is high. There are always new people and 
people leaving, which disturbes the telic net (the sociometry, as it's called 
colloquially)
       Many patients don't get much preparation or follow-up, and often the hospital staff 
isn't warmed up to this role. Indeed, often they treat psychodrama as a treatment in 
itself, like a sun bath---no follow up or processing needed.

    2. Outpatient groups are unstable and the cost of a psychodrama group that goes for 
enough time to get a real warm-up going and then to the end---at least 2 maybe 3 hours---  
and if there is payment for any trained auxiliaries or co-therapists---well, it becomes 
un-economic.

    (I am asking folks from grouptalk to weigh in on this, how much it's true, how much 
I'm mistaken.)

  Q  What areas of Psychodrama would you most like to see researched?
     ab: would you include outlying methods such as sociometry, sociodrama, role training, 
etc.
           and with different non-psychiatric populations?  for personal growth, 
education, etc.?
                   I'm not warmed up to an opinion yet.


   Q  What direction do you want further studies in Psychodrama to take?
                ab: 1. integrating psychodramatic techniques with other approaches in 
group and individual therapy
                      2. Use of an adjunctive psychodrama 1 or 2 day workshop every 6 or 
so weeks and its effects on therapy.
                    Other combinations of some psychodrama and some talk therapy.

                   Awaiting more input for other responses. Warmly, Adam

> Do you have any specific topics in mind?
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> Hope all is well,
>
> Sincerely,
> Terry
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