Action Explorations: Using Psychodramatic Methods in Non-Therapeutic Settings

It's time to take psychodramatic methods outside purely therapeutic settings and into the community! Schools can use role-playing for cultivating emotional intelligence. Businesses and organizations can apply these tools to enable their workforce to problem-solve and adapt in a rapidly changing world. And individuals can improve their relationships and their lives. This collection of essays by 24 authors clearly demonstrates how action explorations is working around the world.

Offering a vast repertoire of techniques—such as role-taking, role reversal, role distancing, improvising, amplifying, exaggerating, replaying, and doubling—action explorations provides a framework for practitioners to tackle wide-ranging and complex issues.

Table of Contents:
For All Humankind, by Adam Blatner
Action Explorations in Business and Organizations
Using Action Methods in Coaching, by Marilyn S. Feinstein
The Unspoken in Teamwork, by Norbert Apter
Using Action Methods to Facilitate Collective Intelligence, by Chantal Nève Hanquet and Agathe Crespel
Catastrophe Years: Reinsuring for Resilience, by Valerie Monti Holland
Where The Rubber Hits The Road, by Jenny Postlethwaite
Action Explorations in Education
Action Methods in Education, by Linda Ciotola
Simulation: Gateway from Information to Knowledge, by James H. Henry
Science Communication in Action, by Justine Jones
Spontaneity Training with Children: Action-Based Learning, by Merav Berger
Action Explorations in Social and Community Contexts
Forum Theatre as Restorative Practice, by Mecca Antonia Burns
Using Action Methods in Men’s Groups, by Wes Carter
Circle of Values, by Mario Cossa
Sociodrama in Action, by Ron Wiener
Action Explorations in Personal Growth
H.A.P.P.Y!, by Anne M. Curtis
The Art of Play, by Adam Blatner and Allee Blatner
Enhanced Simulations Beyond Psychotherapy, by Robert Lowe
How We Use Action Explorations to Enhance Our Relationship, by Adam Blatner and Allee Blatner
Action Explorations in Spirituality
Bringing the Scriptures to Life with Bibliodrama, by Patrick T. Barone
Souldrama, by Connie Miller
Creative Realization Techniques, by Saphira Linden
Expanding Therapeutic Uses of Action Explorations
Positive Psychology and Psychodrama, by Phoebe Atkinson and Nancy Kirsner
Healing Shame and Developing Healthy Shame in the Imaginal Realm, by Sheila Rubin, with Bret Lyon
Psychodramatic Techniques for Neurodiverse Individuals, by Carol Feldman-Bass and Jonathan N. Bass

"A treasure trove of theory and practice in the use of action techniques. It is a unique and significant addition to the applied uses of psychodrama. Every practitioner should have this on their bookshelf as it allows the novice and the seasoned professional alike to easily grasp the concepts and uses for these powerful techniques."
—Dan Tomasulo, The Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy, Vol. 67. No. 1

Adam Blatner, M.D., TEP, is a retired psychiatrist and Trainer of Psychodrama. He is a former Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Louisville School of Medicine and Texas A&M University School of Medicine. Adam has written books and articles in the field of psychodrama, drama therapy and the creative arts in therapy. He is internationally recognized as an authority on the theory and practice of psychodrama. Adam has championed the place of the arts in healing and health for over 50 years through his writings, teachings at conferences and mentoring students all over the world.