Trauma-Informed Principles, Safety, and Harm in Psychodrama

This chapter will present trauma-informed principles from SAMHSA as clinical and ethical guidelines for safety in psychodrama. The potential for harm and retraumatization in psychodrama will be highlighted with reference to the author’s new research on the topic. The significance of anti-oppressive practices and the impact of identity will be discussed as they relate to safety and harm in psychodrama. The three-phase clinical map for titrating into traumatic content will be introduced, and the pacing of psychodramatic treatment for trauma will be underscored. Group structure, assessment, and level of care will be considered as they relate to adapting the psychodramatic method for safety.