How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 205

For example if Bob is speaking to his wife about an affair she just
concluded, he may say, "That really irritates me," from his outer
position. From his first double position, he may say, "How could you do
this to me, you bitch?" From his second double position, he may say, "I
feel so betrayed. I feel so helpless." From his third position, he may
say, "I'm heartbroken. How can we ever repair this?" Doubling is
especially useful if a client is overtly angry at the therapist. Simply
evacuate your seat and move to the client's double position. Assist the
client in fully expressing whatever he feels. In this way, the client feels
supported and is often able to unravel the transference that may be at
the base of his feelings. (Certainly, if the therapist has made an error
that deserves an apology, e.g., double booking a client, it is important to
acknowledge the error and make a sincere apology. Obviously, this is
not simply the client's transference operating, although that may
indeed be in the mix).
ROLE REVERSAL Role reversal is the sine qua non of psychodramatic
intervention techniques, and it is used differently in individual therapy
sessions. The director rarely, if ever, assumes the role of the other. The
director can repeat a last line of the other, but it is wise to do so either
from your chair or from behind the chair of the other, and not sitting in
that chair. You can speak from the client's role when the client is in the
role of the other, either from the double position, or from the client's
seat. Playing the role of the other can lead to negative transference and
premature termination from therapy. Role reversal can be used
effectively with a client when a client asks you for advice. Reverse roles
with the client and have him answer his own question.
FUTURE PROJECTION Psychodrama provides the wonderful option of
time travel since everything takes place in the present in psychodrama.
A scene from 1956 happens in the "now' of 1956 and a scene from 2010
takes place in the now of 2010. When clients feel their present
problems are unresolveable, it is helpful to place them into some future
time when their problem has been solved. This works well also when
t