Drama Games: Techniques for Self-Development

I appreciate this collection of warm-ups and great ideas to develop deeper work (with my clients). Thanks Tian for sharing you knowlege.

Tian Dayton offers a compendium of useful ways to use improvisation and theater games in a variety of group settings. The ideas are based on psychodrama, the action method developed by Dr. Jacob Moreno in 1921, but the practitioner need not know all about psychodrama to make use of these ideas. On the other hand, it just might start you on a wonderful journey to learn more about how action methods and drama can support growth and change in fascinating -- and even fun -- ways.

I am an art therapist at a psychiatric hospital. I recently started a psychodrama/dramatic expression therapy group with individuals who have eating disorders. I was searching for a book that would provide some sample psychodrama group experiences. Quite honestly, when I ordered this book, I had no idea what it contained, but I thought it sounded useful. As it turned out, this book is just what I was searching for! The author provides a variety of ideas for both individual and group exercises, many of which utilize the creative modalities of both art and drama. The exercises speak to individuals who come from co-dependent families/dysfunctional homes, and I have found that the exercises can be easily adapted for individuals ranging from children to adults who have experienced the effects of various addictions or diagnoses and are struggling with the resulting emotions. The exercises encourage self-awareness and playful, creative self-expression. Each exercise includes goals, steps, and variations. There is even a section on Guided Imagery. I would highly recommend this book to experiential/expressive arts therapists who are looking for creative therapeutic techniques for fostering self-development!