Psychodramatic Approaches to Working with Addictions,Susan Mullins Overman, LNHC, TEP, Primary Therapist, Hyde Park Counseling Center
July 29, 2013
Hosted by Mary Woods
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Psychodrama is an action method of doing therapy developed by Jacob Levy Moreno. It is holistic as it works on affective, cognitive, behavioral and spiritual levels and is very powerful in working with addictions. Through the magic of psychodrama clients are able to concretize the voices of the substance and have a conversation with the addiction to refute some of the negative messages. Or, to have a conversation with family members through role playing to acknowledge the pain caused by their addiction. Others might do a future projection of what life might be like a year in recovery and have a conversation with their future self. These are just a few examples of the many ways psychodrama is used in working with addictions. Moreno believed humans are spiritual beings and have a longing to connect with our own conception of the divine. This belief blends well with the 12 step notion of a Higher Power and frequently Higher Power shows up in a drama for support.
One Hour AT A Time
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Recovery, whether it is from substance abuse or a mental illness, or both requires a treatment plan, which in many cases is as effective as treatments for other chronic illnesses. “One Hour AT A Time” will increase awareness about recovery and decrease the discrimination against individuals in the recovery process. Host Mary Woods, will help people understand the recovery of adults and families living with co-occurring substance use disorders and psychotic and/or affective illness over the course of a lifetime. Helping individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to take personal responsibility for their health and supporting individuals in their efforts to get on with life beyond illness has been Mary’s mission and she now brings that mission to the airwaves.
Mary Woods
Mary is the CEO of WestBridge Community Services. She is also a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with more than 25 years experience in substance abuse services and community mental health programs. Mary has conducted extensive workshops and trainings with a primary focus in Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change Theory and Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders. She is also a contributor to the development of the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment Practitioners and Clinical Supervisors Workbook and Practice Demonstration Video. Mary was the Chairperson of the NH State Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professionals. She has been a member of the NH Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor’s Association since 1984, and has served as the Northeast Regional Vice President for the NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals, President of NAADAC and is currently past president of NAADAC.
