Clients’ experiences during three phases of a time-limited psychodrama group: A case study

Abstract

Although it is known that the group stages share similar dynamics and the leaders have certain tasks in each stage, the experiences of group members could differ in each stage. The main purpose of this case study is to understand how guidance and psychological counselling students participating in a psychodrama group are affected by the process and how they experience each stage of the group. In this context, a 12-week psychodrama study was conducted with group members (n = 9), and qualitative data were collected to determine the self-perceptions of the members at the end. The thematic analysis of the study revealed six main themes: first emotions, difficulties, self-awareness, changing emotions, achievements and what they left to time. In the first sessions, it was observed that the members had difficulties in disclosing themselves and role-playing because they were excited, scared and worried. In the proceeding sessions, as the members gained confidence in the group and realized that they would not be judged, they relaxed and disclosed themselves. Many of the members who experienced many realizations noted the changes in themselves in the final sessions and emphasized that they needed time for some skills to be realized. In addition, the development of counselling skills such as empathy, listening and self-awareness as a result of the research reveals that psychodrama is a promising approach in developing and teaching counselling skills. Practical recommendations are presented for mental health professionals and researchers based on the study findings.