How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 201
Tips and Techniques
Listed below are a few tips for using action and experiential methods in
one to one therapy. An excellent resource is Stein, M.B. & Callahan, M.L.
(1982). The use of psychodrama in individual therapy. Journal of Group
Psychotherapy, Psychodrama and Sociometry, 35, 118-129.
WARM-UP, ACTION & CLOSURE Each individual session will have a
warm-up, action and a closure segment. During the warm-up, the client
(re)gains, rapport with the therapist, discusses what issues will be the
focus of the session, and readies him/herself for action. The action
phase is the actual psychodramatic portion. The closure is the time
succeeding the action when the client de-roles and cools down from the
role playing. Occasionally, the therapist shares from his own life
experience to assist the client in normalizing, in reducing isolation, or in
presenting new possibilities for further thought and integration. If you
choose to share with the client, remember that the sharing is directed
toward the client's therapeusis.
Sometimes directors and clients are skittish about moving into
psychodrama in individual therapy. Here are some ways to gently
warm yourself and the client up to action.
1) As the client is talking to you, shift your seat to the client's double
position, explaining to the client that you want to be sure you
understand fully what she means and feels. Once in the position, note
that you'll be speaking as the client and that if what you say is correct
the client is to repeat it; if incorrect, to change it.
2) As the client discusses a significant person in his life, ask him to
imagine the person sitting in an empty chair in your office. Ask the
client to describe the person in detail so that you can have a sense of
him/her. Then ask the client to step over into the seat so that you can
ask a couple of questions, again to better understand what the person is
like. You can ask the client to choose a scarf or prop to symbolize the
role.
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