Obama uses Drama Therapy!

The President of the United States incorporated a psychodramatic technique called "doubling" frequently used by drama therapists to promote the expression of unspoken thoughts or feelings. His intervention allowed him to stay 'in role' and maintain his diplomatic constraint while also giving voice to his outrage about a lack of action on climate change and other issues. It also allowed some play with the obvious race dynamics in the room.

So why would President Barack Obama use a drama therapy technique to express himself, and what is drama therapy anyway? The North American Drama Therapy Association defines Drama Therapy as “an active, experiential approach to facilitating change. Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationship, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world.” Psychodrama, ritual and role play are also used. Drama therapy's innate ability to express the unexpressed may be part of Obama's reason for choosing such a public form of inner dialogue communication.

See how Obama uses drama therapy in this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/25/obama-anger-translator_n_7144676.html

For more information on drama therapy and its benefits for you, your clients and your community, visit us at creativeclinicalconsulting.com.