The Politics of Action in Therapy

Abstract

Any method of interpersonal learning or psychotherapy is always a sociopolitcal process, amongst other things, for better or for worse, and whether recognized as such or not. Creative action methods (such as psychodrama, art, dance therapy) in particular can enhance our sense of self and community, by amplifying our autonomy and our ability to do, individually and together. They provide a vivid metaphor for the impact our own actions can have on our lives outside the therapeutic or educational settings. But it is often difficult to get such work established and supported due to existing private and political interests within the professions. Many of the processes considered here are common to both psychotherapy and education. I dwell on therapy only as it is more familiar ground.