A Comparison of Psychodrama, Transactional Analysis, and Gestalt Therapy Groups

With the rising cost of health care, mental health professionals and institutions have turned more heavily toward more efficient and money-saving methods of psychotherapy. One way in which psychotherapy can be employed in a time and monetarily efficient manner, is through the use of group therapy. This alone presents a number of different methods by which to implement group therapy; within this text three different methods will be examined. It is important to also remember that other methods are used and available.

The first of the methods to be discussed is called psychodrama, and actually has a lot more to do with the name than the nature of the therapy would suggest. Psychodrama actually is a form of drama used as a means of encouraging patients to be more expressive and develop better and more effective social skills. In order to do this, patients act roles that are designated to them by the director (the therapist). Generally, these roles are based on real life situations the patient has encountered, or situations that the patient is going to encounter soon. In these situation, the patient plays either their own role within the drama, or the role of another individual; both are meant to lead the patient to a deeper understanding of their situation and catharsis (emotional relief). As previously mentioned, the therapist acts as the director, while other members of the group therapy session act as other individuals, alternative egos, or the audience. Each of these allows for a different viewpoint on the situation. Unfortunately, psychodrama has received only minimal attention in psychology studies. However, in those few studies the technique did well. Trull (2005) noted that these studies suggested it was an "efficacious treatment" (pg 414).

The second form of therapy is called transactional analysis, and deals with the interactions of people and analysis of these interactions based on three different ego states. Depending on the form of interaction an individual exhibits with another reveals their ego state, and thus the therapist can inform the individual of this state and try to bring them toward a more reasonable and logical state. The three ego states are the child ego state, the parent ego state, and the adult ego state. Each of these states can be positive or negative in nature. A negative child ego state is characterized by being fearful, overly emotional, and guilt-ridden; whereas a positive child ego state is characterized by spontaneity, creativity, and lack on inhibition. A negative parent ego state is characterized by punishing and overly judgmental; while the positive adult ego is characterized by being supportive, loving, and understanding. The positive adult ego state is one that is logical, planning, and information gathering. The negative is non-spontaneous.*

The idea behind these ego states is that each person will exhibit a certain state depending on the manner in which they were raised. Individuals are often mixed as well, and will display aspects from both the positive and negative side of the spectrum. As patients in the transactional analysis group interact, the therapist continually analyses the interaction and leads the participants toward the goal of more appropriate thinking and interacting.

Transactional analysis also emphasizes bringing patients to a state in which they can rationally choose between games and building true and sincere relationships with other individuals. The term "games" refers to the action of covering up one's feelings instead of being open and honest with one another. Games are the means by which with individuals remain at a distance from others. By analyzing group interactions and the games that TA (transactional analysis) participants use with one another, the therapist attempts to guide patients toward the aforementioned goal of choosing between games and behaviors which foster true intimacy.

Unlike psychodrama, TA is quite popular among both patients and therapists. Participants often feel that they have gained responsibility and have learned skills. However, it has been argued that TA breaks down human behaviors too simply, and that learned skills are short lasting. Unfortunately, there is little research to prove or disprove either claim.

The third form of therapy to be discussed here is the Gestalt group. The Gestalt group therapy method is very similar to actual one on one Gestalt therapy, as it calls upon one individual at a time to discuss current feelings, thoughts, and the like. The person in the "hot seat" can be asked to role-play, act out a dialogue, discuss their dreams, or merely talk about current problems. Other group members are turned into observers who, during the session, give input as to how they feel about the person being focused on. This method is meant to give both the observer and the individual in the "hot seat" a very active involvement in the therapy session.

Unlike the other forms of group therapy discussed, Gestalt therapy isn't usually used on a regular basis, such as bi-weekly group therapy meetings. Instead, therapy sessions using this technique are generally held during weekend retreats, workshops, or seminars, which leaves critics wondering whether the progress made there is long-lasting and relevant to the participants everyday continuing life, or merely to that day, weekend, or situation. However, this criticism, like the actual therapy itself, lacks research to back it up. Like the other methods discussed here, Gestalt therapy has received very little research to determine just how effective it is. Despite this fact, Gestalt therapy has gain quite the popularity for its fast-paced, and intense, therapy style.

Other group therapy styles do exist, such as behavior therapy groups and psychodynamic therapy groups, just to name a few; however, these are a few of the more original, interesting, and less studied forms.

*Characteristics were taken from Trull, 2005, pg 414.

Trull, T. (2005). Clinical Psychology, 7^th Edition. Belmont, CA. Thomson Wadsworth.