Honoring Defenses and Dissociation with Psychodrama
Abstract
This chapter introduces the importance of honoring defenses in the psychodrama process when working with complex trauma. Defenses are presented as behaviors or patterns utilized to protect one’s self and mitigate feelings of anxiety, pain, or fear. Addictive behaviors will be framed through the language of defense mechanisms used to numb pain. Defenses and addiction go hand in hand with complex trauma and CPTSD. Multiple examples of psychodrama roles and scenes focused on various types of defenses will be depicted, including letting down walls, speaking to addiction, and working with defenses.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychology
Coaching
and Therapy
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 136–145
- Publication date
- 5 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter