Positive Psychotherapy, Psychodrama, and Role-playing

Research has consistently highlighted the need for effective psychotherapy for underserved populations, including low-income, minority, and older adults. This is particularly important in the context of mental health disparities and the prevalence of mental illness in these groups. Positive psychotherapy, which focuses on well-being and health-promoting activities, has been suggested as a potential solution to reduce the mental health gap in these populations. However, the delivery of these services must be carefully tailored to the unique needs of each group. 

Psychodrama is a valuable tool in empowering the populations mentioned above, particularly in the context of domestic violence shelters, intellectual disabilities, and chronic and persistent mental illness. It has also been shown to improve the professional practice skills of therapists and promote self-sufficiency in welfare recipients. In the field of mental health, psychodrama has been used to alleviate depression, facilitate the life review process in the elderly, and gather information from acute and chronic psychiatric clients. Furthermore, psychodrama is effective in dealing with the unique problems of low-income and minority patients.

This course explores the theory and application of positive psychotherapy in a group format through psychodrama. This therapeutic approach utilizes role-playing techniques to explore and address personal and interpersonal issues. Students will learn the basic principles of psychodrama, gain an understanding of positive psychotherapy settings, and develop skills in facilitating and participating in sessions using psychodramatic techniques. Through a self-study format, which combines lectures, discussions, experiential exercises, and case studies, students can enhance their therapeutic skills and explore role-playing as a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.