Existential Psychodrama: A Way to Incorporate Otherness and Open Up to Existence: A Clinical Approach of Psychosis

Summary

Existential psychodrama, inspired by Moreno, helps schizophrenic patients incorporate the experience of an 'absolutely other' that underpins an autonomous self. Through psychodramatic play, patients engage in original projection, moving outside their pathological world and into another's perspective sensorially and pathically. This creative journey enables them to return to the world better attuned to others and themselves, enacting a true intersubjective encounter. Applying phenomenology, especially Bin Kimura's concept of psychosis as a disorder of the 'aida', the authors aim to advance psychotherapy for psychosis.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract:The authors argue that Morenian-inspired existential psychodrama turns out to be a formidable lever for opening up existence as it allows schizophrenic patients to incorporate the experience of an “absolutely other” on which the foundation of any autonomous self is built. More precisely, by relying on their clinical experiences, the authors show how psycho-dramatic play goes along with an intense movement of original projection which carries psychotic patients externally in relation to themselves. Offset from their pathological world, these patients feel more inclined to “wear someone else’s shoes,” for the duration of the game, and they do so in a manner that is both sensorial and pathic. This surprising and creative “journey,” which allows them to return to the world better attuned to others and to themselves, is merely an enactment of a “true” intersubjective encounter: the very essence of existential psychodrama. By applying phenomenology to this psychodramatic method, notably by relying on the hypothesis of psychosis being a disorder of what Bin Kimura calls the “aida,” the authors hope to contribute to the advancement of psychosis’ psychotherapy.