Way of Working

I am working with my clients through action-centered methods from psychodrama, like role reversal, role play, mirror, doubling, in order to create the context where people can use their spontaneity and creativity, and find solutions to their situations or life roles, from different perspectives.
 Action Methods are used to enable past, present and future life events to be explored, and issues or situations and their possible solutions are enacted rather than just talked about. Psychodrama offers the opportunity to practice new roles safely, see oneself from outside, gain insight and change. 
 Psychodrama can be used in a group or individually, for therapy and personal growth. It can also be applied to family and couples’ therapy.

 Psychodrama is practiced and taught extensively through the world.

Psychodrama is an experiential therapeutic approach developed by Jacob L. Moreno. Psychodrama can be used individually though it is much more commonly used in a group, and it is a creative and active therapy type that utilizes dramatic action and role play to address problems raised by an individual. 
 Moreno believed that spontaneity was the key to individual creativity. This idea is central to psychodrama theory. He believed that encouraging individuals to respond in spontaneous ways offered unique opportunity for finding new perspectives and potential solutions to old problems. 
 Psychodrama sessions involve ‘Action Methods’. These are used to explore past and present difficulties, or future hopes and fears of the protagonist. The director (the psychodrama therapist) supports the group or the individual to explore new solutions to problems and find new perspectives. Group members take on the roles that the individual needs them to. At the end of the session, the group members will reflect back how they can personally relate to the issue that has been explored.  
 Psychodrama is for everyone and anyone who would like to experience the spontaneity and ‘magic’ of working with action methods. Whether your focus is personal, professional, therapy or training, if you’re interested in the creative exploration of yourself, your relationships and your life using action as well as words, then you might value and enjoy the psychodrama method and the personal liberations, self-expression and insights that it elicits.

In Individual psychotherapy:

  • The client receives one-on-one attention from the therapist, and this allows the therapist to be very thorough in understanding the specific problems of the client and in developing an individualized approach to helping the client.
  • The pace of the therapy can be tailored to the specific client. It can be sped up in cases where clients can handle more focused and intense interventions, or it can be slowed down in cases where clients need time to adjust and move slowly
  • The client can arrange a time for the therapy sessions that is most conducive to their schedule.

In Group therapy:

  • Many groups are designed to target a specific problem, such as social anxiety, chronic pain or substance abuse, or they focus more generally on improving social skills, helping people deal with a range of issues such as anger, shyness, loneliness and low self-esteem.
  • Group therapy assures individuals that they are not alone and that other individuals share similar problems and struggles. The famous psychiatrist Dr. Irvin David Yalom, one of the acknowledged gurus of group therapy, terms this the principle of universality.
  • Group therapy offers the opportunity to both receive support from others and to give support to others. Both of these notions are important in treatment. Receiving support from others is part of the bonding or therapeutic alliance that occurs in groups, whereas giving support to others allows for growth and learning.
  • Group therapy helps individuals develop communication skills and socialization skills, and allows clients to learn how to express their issues and accept criticism from others.
  • Group therapy allows individuals to develop self-awareness by listening to others with similar issues.
  • Individuals in group therapy can model the successful behaviors of other individuals who have gone through similar experiences. Modeling is a form of learning where individuals learn by copying or imitating the actions of others.

Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life-changing experience which can help you to improve your mental health, overcome social or emotional challenges, and fulfil your potential. A trained psychotherapist can support you to:

  • express your feelings and process them in a safe and supportive relationship
  • gain deeper insight into the issues you face
  • find ways to cope with feelings and fears
  • change the way you think and behave to improve your mental and emotional wellbeing
  • improve relationships in your life, including with yourself
  • heal from trauma
  • learn to communicate better and tolerate differences in yourself and others.

Psychotherapy does not stop stressful events, but it gives you the power to cope in a healthy way. It can also help you understand yourself.

  • Every therapy session is unique and tailored to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists and clients to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions.
  • Duration:
  • An individual session lasts approximately 50 minutes
  • A group personal development session lasts 2 hours
  • A themed workshop (for personal development or organizational intervention) can be 2, 4 or 6 hours, depending on the theme and objectives set for the workshop
  • Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
  • ​There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. “Homework” is an important process and practice that integrates what you learn in session with how you live your life out of session.
  • For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are curious about their emotional wellbeing, committed to their wellbeing and willing to work towards greater self-awareness and personal growth​

Here are some things you can expect during a therapy session:

  • Compassionate, attentive listening
  • A collaborative relationship with a trained professional 
  • Perspectives to illuminate and loosen maladaptive habits of mind and/or interpersonal patterns
  • Recognition of inner strengths and outward applications that enhance wellbeing for self and others
  • “Real life” strategies for advancing desired change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.
 Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
 Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence​

​Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.
 
 Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.
 ​Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it.
 ​In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.