Trauma can come in many different forms and impact people of any age, race, gender, or ethnic background. Unfortunately, traumatic stress can have lasting effects on a person’s nervous system, and persistent symptoms can undermine mental health. There is no direct cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but various factors play a role in its development. Participating in psychodrama at Avalon Malibu can be a unique way to gain insights, discharge emotions, and effectively overcome trauma.
The Value of Participating in Psychodrama for Overcoming Trauma: What Is Trauma?
Symptoms of trauma can occur after a person experiences a tragic or disturbing event. Any event that results (or could have resulted) in emotional, physical, or life-threatening harm can be referred to as trauma. Events that can negatively impact an individual’s mental, physical, emotional, social, or overall well-being include the following:
- Neglect
- Abandonment or sudden separation from a loved one
- Emotional, physical, or sexual assault or abuse
- Terminal illness or injury
- Exposure to violence
- Racism and discrimination
- Natural disasters
The Value of Participating in Psychodrama for Overcoming Trauma: Trauma and the Brain
According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, when experiencing something traumatic, a person has what’s called “traumatic stress.” This initial stress can lead to a changed brain and ongoing symptoms. For instance, after a trauma, when a person encounters new stressors, the brain will release norepinephrine and cortisol.
Therefore, early trauma can put a person at an increased risk of developing PTSD. It is estimated that approximately eight percent of Americans have been affected by PTSD at one point in their lives. Trauma can also lead to substance use disorder (SUD), depression, personality disorders, dissociation, and other health complications.
Various PTSD studies referenced in the journal above have found consistent changes in an individual’s brain structure and cognition after trauma. Multiple clinical and non-clinical reports have proven that alterations occur in one’s brain structure, such as the medial prefrontal cortex mediates changes in an individual’s memory function and amygdala (stress center).
The Value of Participating in Psychodrama for Overcoming Trauma: What Causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
For many people, trauma symptoms subside quickly. If the negative effects of trauma persist over time, a person may receive a diagnosis of PTSD. Many factors can contribute to the development of PTSD. Common factors include the following:
- Having a major lack of support
- Residing in an unhealthy living environment
- Living in a town with increased rates of crime and drug abuse
- Experiencing childhood trauma
- Joining the military
What Is Psychodrama?
Living with unaddressed PTSD can be unsettling. The effects of PTSD can impair many different aspects of an individual’s life. For instance, an individual may experience poor relationships with loved ones, impaired work performance, and academic challenges.
Fortunately, participating in psychodrama interventions can make a significant difference in a person’s mental health. According to PLoS One, psychodrama is an experiential therapy approach that encourages guided role playing. Certain techniques and methods help an individual work on personal and interpersonal issues, gain further insight, and find relief. Usually done in a group setting, psychodrama allows a person to re-enact events of the past and experience greater resolution.
Psychodrama interventions provide trauma survivors with a “fail-safe” reality where certain thoughts, behaviors, and feelings can be explored to address past trauma, present challenges, and goals. The unique characteristics of psychodrama help clients represent or express their feelings. Psychodrama can help individuals of all ages and may also include couples or family members to help build more understanding of a loved one’s condition.
The Efficacy of Psychodrama for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It can be difficult for some people to open up about trauma, as discussing sensitive topics can feel uncomfortable. Some individuals fear judgment, stigma, or hurtful feedback from others. Some people don’t feel that traditional talk therapy is tolerable for them. Although various psychotherapies can provide many benefits to those with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, psychodrama can be a novel way to overcome the painful effects of trauma.
According to the Frontiers in Psychology, psychodrama interventions provide a promising alternative to traditional talk therapy for those who are facing problems coping with trauma. A meta-analysis showed that psychodrama intervention groups demonstrated an overall effect comparable to or better than standard group therapies. Various psychodrama group studies have proven its efficacy in increasing people’s overall quality of life.
The Benefits of Participating in Psychodrama at Avalon Malibu
Not everyone can adjust to life after going through a traumatic event. Therefore, many individuals self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to attempt to heal from their past. At Avalon Malibu, people find relief in adopting certain roles and acting out different scenes with a therapist to facilitate healing.
Psychodrama at this luxurious mental health facility can take place in various settings, such as one-on-one therapy with a trained therapist or during group therapy. Typically, an individual therapist or another participant in the group will act as the client while they take on the role of another family figure or significant other.
Benefits that can come from participating in psychodrama at Avalon Malibu include the following:
- Increased trust
- Identification of emotions
- Improved communication and relationships with loved ones
- Improved self-awareness
- Enhanced empathy
- Improved ability to confront certain feelings
- Greater mental clarity
At Avalon’s Grand House, trauma is uncovered and faced, and clients are given the tools to heal. There is no correct or incorrect way to think, feel, or respond to trauma. At Avalon Malibu, we never judge any individual’s reactions. All responses are normal reactions to abnormal events. Our clients can embrace the time spent away from an overwhelming life and find introspection. Through this, they can reframe the challenges they must face each day. We realize that there is nothing that can be done to change the specific events that occurred in your life. We focus on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that arose from a particular experience and address those individually. Call us at (844) 857-5992 for support.
