Abstract

Psychodrama and other action methods are especially helpful in the treatment of the classic eating disorders as well as dieting struggles, body dissatisfaction and associated issues of fear, sadness, silence and shame. This book provides clinicians with sound theoretical information, practical treatment guidelines and a wealth of clinically-tested action structures and interventions.

The authors describe how they have introduced action methods to work with a diverse range of clients, and suggest ways in which psychodrama practitioners, experiential therapists and others may integrate these methods into their practice. Offering fresh ideas for tailoring psychodramatic standards such as The Living Newspaper, Magic Shop and the Social Atom to eating disorder issues, they provide extensive examples of psychodrama interventions - classic and specially adapted for eating disorders - for both the experienced practitioner and those new to experiential therapies. They also explain how psychodrama can be used in combination with other expressive, holistic and complementary approaches, including family constellations, music, art, imagery, ritual, Five Element Acupuncture, yoga, Reiki and other energy work.

This pioneering book is essential reading for practitioners and students of psychodrama, drama therapy, experiential psychotherapy, cognitive and expressive arts therapies and mental health professionals, as well as professionals interested in complementary health modalities.

This innovative book on eating disorders and safe action therapy is a seminal contribution to both fields of psychotherapy. Carnabucci and Ciotola share their experience as clinical practitioners of safe psychodrama, constellation work, and other body-based healing practices such as the Therapeutic Spiral Model, in eloquent stories of important healing work with people healing from eating disorders. A must have for your library if you work with people with eating disorders or their families.
Kate Hudgins, Ph.D., TEP, author of Experiential Therapy with PTSD: The Therapeutic Spiral Model
With a focus on action methods, neuroscience and trauma, this book gives experienced psychodramatists and clinicians new to the field effective and safe ways of using action to heal both women and men struggling with eating disorders, and help them transform their lives. A valuable addition to the library of anyone in the field.
Rebecca Walters MS LCAT LMHC TEP, Co-Director, Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute
Karen Carnabucci, MSS, LCSW, LISW-S, TEP, is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified trainer, educator and practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. She has worked with people with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction since 1989. She is the co-author of Integrating Psychodrama and Systemic Constellation Work, also published by JKP. Her training and psychotherapy practice is based in Racine, Wisconsin. Linda Ciotola, M.Ed., TEP, CET III, is also a board-certified trainer, educator and practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy, as well as a certified trainer and team leader in The Therapeutic Spiral Model of Psychodrama and a certified health education specialist. She has worked with people with eating disorders and body image issues since 1990. She is an American Council on Exercise Gold Certified Personal Trainer, an ACE Gold Certified Health Coach, an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Yoga Instructor, as well as a certified Reiki Master practitioner. She lives in Grasonville, Maryland.
This book is a wonderful tool for the therapist who specializes in eating disorders and who is looking for psychodrama techniques to assist with the healing. It is comprehensive in its approach to eating disorders, and issues with the body, trauma, and food...A welcome addition to the psychodrama and eating disorder field.
Mary Bellofatto MA, LMHC, NCC, TEP, charter member and past president of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Psychodramatist
Clear, graceful writing and terrific content.
Joan Lewin, Dance-Movement Therapist and author of Dance Therapy Notebook
The authors have created a book that illuminates the subject of eating disorders in such a compassionate way that is backed up by thorough research. As a holistic practitioner I recognize the value of addressing life's challenges with a variety of methods that seek to balance mind, body and spirit. […] I highly recommend this book to any holistic practitioner who is open to new ways to help their clients in their healing process.
Dana Limpert, B.S., M.S., Reiki Master Teacher, Usui Shiki Ryoho
This book is well presented, clear and very informative, providing many action methods to assist those with eating disorders and the accompanying issues such as fear, sadness and shame. The book is designed for individuals who have knowledge and training in psychodrama, expressive art therapies or other experimental modalities and techniques.
Play for Life
Karen and Linda bring both their skill as psychodramatists as well as their sensitivity as healing practitioners to their writing, creating a work that is long overdue in the field. It is thoughtful, practical, and eminently readable - a valuable resource for anyone working with this population.
Mario Cossa, MA, RDT/MT, TEP, author of Rebels with a Cause: Working with Adolescents Using Action Techniques
This work represents a synthesis of...tremendous knowledge and skill acquired over years of working with people with eating disorders...I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of the wisdom, creative ideas, and concrete techniques included. Linda and Karen bring a wealth of talent - in psychodrama, yoga, bodywork, holistic health, spirituality, nutrition, Constellation work, and many other areas - to their collaboration. The book is clearly written , well-organized, and contains many ideas and techniques readers can readily apply to their practice settings.
Catherine D. Nugent, M.S.,M.S., LPC, TEP, Psychotherapist , Psychodramatist, and Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama
[The authors] have managed to span the human experience, the science and the healing experience in both dramatic and intellectually challenging ways. [They] write not only from highly developed professional selves but from deeply attuned experiential selves. [This] book will serve as a 'keynote speaker' across the field.
Nancy Alexander, LCSW-C, psychotherapist and author, Columbia, MD
Here is a creative and refreshing integration of action methods, and the use of other creative and expressive arts, well-grounded in current scientific research on what really works in therapy. There is a wealth of vivid clinical vignettes and the authors also offer variations, making this truly useful to practitioners.
Adam Blatner, M.D., Certified Trainer of Psychodrama and author of many books on psychodrama