Psychoanalytic psychodrama practices in France: historical, methodological and clinical approach

ABSTRACT

This article proposes a synthesis on the current practice of psychoanalytical psychodrama in France and as it may be proposed in many public care institutions. Considered in its historic trajectory (and based on the references to the works of J.L. Moreno), this method of mediation is presented in its different forms (the individual psychodrama, the individual psychodrama in group and the individual psychodrama on group), their common denominator being the important part given to the improvised play which is itself based on a group dynamics which is initiated in concert by both the therapists and the patients. In this paper, particular attention will be given to the indications for this type of care, to its therapeutic effects and therefore to the psychical processes that it mobilises (notably in terms of the interconnections between the various ranges of symbolisation). Two clinical vignettes from the personal clinical practice by the authors will illustrate our purpose.

KEYWORDS:

• Group dynamics
• psychotherapy
• symbolisations
• symbolic play
• therapeutic effects

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jérôme Boutinaud

Jérôme Boutinaud, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor (Institute of Psychology, University Paris Cité, France), full member of the Laboratory of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis (PCPP- URP 4056), clinical psychologist (private practice).

Adrien Blanc

Adrien Blanc, PhD in Psychology, associate member of the Laboratory of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology, and Psychoanalysis (PCPP – URP 4056), Institute of Psychology, University Paris Cité, France), lecturer in psychoanalysis, Centre de formation Saint-Honoré, Paris, France; clinical psychologist, GHU Paris psychiatrie & neurosciences, 75674 Paris cedex 14

Estelle Louët

Estelle Louët, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor (Institute of Psychology, University Paris Cité, France), full member of the Laboratory of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis (PCPP- URP 4056), clinical psychologist (private practice and psychotherapist in department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at La Salpêtrière hospital, Pr. David Cohen, Paris, France).