The psychodrama method for children and adolescents was developed by child psychotherapist Hanna KENDE (France/Hungary). Integrating Alfred Adler’s individual psychotherapy and psychodrama therapy (Jacob Levy Moreno), Mrs. KENDE designed this method specifically for children and adolescents. (For more information, see the Training page.)
Psychodrama for Children
Psychodrama for children is a group psychotherapy method that takes into account the psychological and emotional developmental characteristics of children.
It is based on action and the creative capacity to represent one’s own experiences and emotions through unique, symbolic representations.
PSYCHODRAMA ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
These activities are typically conducted in groups of up to 6 children and are facilitated by two therapists/leaders. Sessions take place weekly throughout the school year and last 1-1.5 hours each.
During the group activity, the focus is on the subjective experiences of the children, transforming them into improvised, symbolic scenes. These experiences are processed through playful dramatization, allowing children to relive them in a safe environment and gain a deeper understanding of what is happening in their real lives. This reintegration of experiences takes place on an unconscious level, without rational explanations.
Through dramatic games, children also develop their skills, learn new roles and behaviors, and acquire alternative strategies for resolving intrapsychic and interpersonal conflicts. This helps them successfully cope with challenges and demands. By improving communication and interpersonal skills, they integrate more effectively into groups and society.
STAGES OF A PSYCHODRAMA SESSION FOR CHILDREN
Each psychodrama activity has three phases:
- Warm-up Phase
This is the transition phase from daily life into the magical world of shared play. Each group usually develops its own ritual, which may involve drawing, modeling, discussing, listening to music, or playful movement. - Action Phase
In this phase, the children, together with the therapists, create and act out an improvised story based on ideas contributed by all group members. This story is staged in a flexible and free form, allowing for modifications to the original narrative. Costumes, accessories, and puppets are used to bring the story to life. Through these symbolic representations, children express their issues without having to confront them directly in reality. This dynamic yet enjoyable process allows them to deeply process anxiety-inducing or problematic experiences and develop their own solutions for overcoming them. - Cool-down Phase
This is the concluding phase, where emotions are calmed, and children transition back to real life.
GOALS OF THE ACTIVITIES
The activities aim to help children:
- become more self-confident while also being collaborative and flexible;
- integrate better into various groups;
- overcome emotional blocks or problems;
- successfully handle challenges and demands;
- use their intellectual and emotional potential at a high personal level.
RECOMMENDED FOR
Psychodrama is especially beneficial for children facing the following difficulties:
- Behavioral disorders (hyperactivity, aggression, attention problems);
- Inhibition, anxiety, nervous tics;
- Psychosomatic disorders (enuresis, allergies, migraines);
- Difficult life situations (chronic illness, divorce, family loss, etc.);
- Performance anxiety;
- Relationship/adaptation difficulties, etc.
INFORMATION ABOUT CHILDREN’S GROUPS
INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIALIST TRAINING