Traditional treatment for trauma is not for everyone. Holistic methods have an important role to play in the current recovery landscape. Today, people are more likely to succeed in recovery when using a blend of innovative therapies, traditional modalities, and complementary care. One such innovative therapy is psychodrama. This therapy can help people overcome trauma more fully.
The Need for Alternative Therapies
Talk therapy, psychotherapy, and other traditional modalities are usually the go-to healing methods for trauma, addiction, and mental health treatment. These therapies are often needed to create a solid foundation in one’s recovery journey. However, traditional treatments alone can leave a lot to be desired.
In recent years, many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices have made their way into recovery programs. These therapies are usually holistic methods that are meant to be used in conjunction with traditional treatments.
Some CAM therapies include meditation, somatic healing, yoga, and more. Psychodrama may be considered a CAM therapy, but this practice may be even more unique and innovative than the rest.
Innovative Therapy Benefits
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), traditional treatments are “important for the development and maintenance of solid recovery.” However, CAM practices can “provide additional tools that can enhance various aspects of the patient’s recovery.” These practices can be a much more enjoyable and exciting part of the recovery process.
Since addiction and mental health conditions are often linked to trauma, it’s important to have innovative therapies that allow you to explore your trauma more deeply. Psychodrama serves this purpose. It helps you reach trauma and heal areas of your mind, body, and soul that otherwise wouldn’t be possible with traditional treatments alone.
Psychodrama: An Innovative Therapy
Right now, the need for innovative therapies in trauma treatment is more pressing than ever. According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, “nearly 8% of Americans will meet diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetimes.” About eight million adults will meet this criteria in any given year.
The Frontiers in Psychology study researched the effectiveness of psychodrama as an innovative therapy for trauma treatment. It describes psychodrama as an “experiential approach, often used in psychotherapy, that integrates role-playing techniques, dramatic enactment, and spontaneous improvisation.”
The History of Psychodrama
According to a 2021 research review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, psychodrama was first created by Jacob Levy Moreno in 1921. It was developed as a type of psychotherapy conducted in groups, inspired by improvisation theater.
In psychodrama, patients reenact difficult memories or events from their past as if they were happening in the present. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health says the aim is for patients to “gain greater insight into their situation in order to enable them to cope better with their thoughts and feelings and increase their personal resources and strengths.”
The Benefits of Psychodrama
Even though it was originally developed to be acted out in groups, psychotherapy can also be used in individual therapy sessions. Either method can give people a safe space to process their traumas and painful memories from the past in a supportive environment.
To truly heal from trauma and other difficult moments in one’s life, it’s important to face these memories head-on instead of ignoring them. Psychodrama helps people do this by recalling these moments in an innovative way. It allows people to prescribe new meaning to these difficult moments and find a fresh perspective. Psychodrama also allows people to put themselves in other’s shoes so they can see how the people in their lives may have also been affected by the memory and their actions.
When people gently face these past situations head-on, it can be easier to release any negative feelings attached to them. This can help people heal trauma and move forward into a healthy and happy new life.
Explore an Innovative Therapy at The Guest House
If you’re looking to explore innovative therapies and holistic modalities, look no further than The Guest House. Our trauma-specific program utilizes a cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic treatments that will help you overcome your traumas, develop a stronger relationship with yourself, and find lasting fulfillment in life.
Psychodrama at The Guest House is always led by a trauma-trained clinician. This clinician can help you step out of your comfort zone and experience a powerful therapy in a safe and supportive environment. Psychodrama will give you a healthy outlet for releasing deep-rooted fears, emotions, and feelings. When you’re able to do this, you can move closer to true health, happiness, and fulfillment.
Innovative psychodrama is just one of our many unique modalities. When psychodrama is used in conjunction with our many other therapies, you will receive deeper healing of your mind, body, and soul. No matter what may have happened in your past, The Guest House has all the tools you need to create a brighter future.
Traditional treatments are not for everyone, nor do they represent the only route to healing for people in recovery. In recent years, more innovative therapy options have popped up, including modalities like psychodrama. At The Guest House, we deeply understand the importance of unique and innovative modalities to heal trauma, addiction, and mental health concerns. We utilize a cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic therapies, including psychodrama. These therapies help you comprehensively heal your mind, body, and soul. We believe that trauma is often at the root of struggles like addiction. Our trauma-specific program was designed to help you deeply heal your wounds so you can create lasting peace in your life. Call us at (855) 483-7800.