By Karen Drucker

Sitting by the pool after a swim looking out on the waters of the Arabian Sea surrounded by palm trees and listening to the sound of tropical birds. I am treating myself to two weeks of Ayurvedic treatment at a place in Kerala recommended by Jochen Becker called Isola di Cocco. Feels like a well deserved rest and commitment to my health after nine intensive days of therapeutic spiral workshops.

We had a four day workshop in Bangalore, making friends with defenses, then a travel day to Delhi to begin a four day on transforming the trauma triangle. Arriving the first morning of the Bangalore group was like greeting old friends. Most of the participants had been with us last year and it was wonderful to see familiar faces!

                                   Bangalore Workshop Participants

                                  New Delhi Workshop Participants

Steven Durost and I had a smooth and beautiful co-leadership dance.

It’s such a privilege to work with someone I love, respect, and feel so met and supported by in all aspects of the work. From planning to timing, switching between team leader and assistant leader in directing the dramas, working with participants and the team, we were like butter.

Sadhana, a team member in Delhi writes, “It’s heartening to see how you have teamed up with Steven to make TSM such a beautiful experience for us. I love to see the way you two adore each other, shift effortlessly into various roles with so much fluidity and understanding and make a remarkable role models of professional partners with touch of Being incorporated into it. Could the universe give us any better gift than having the opportunity to see and experience Dr Steven and Dr Karen! I guess not.. This is the best gift!”

They loved the teaching I designed on working with the trauma triangle with an individual, splitting into groups of three to practice.

We were invited to Rashmi Datt’s house for dinner one night. She is a PAT and is the trainer in the Delhi group. It was very special to go to her house, which took almost an hour in crazy Delhi traffic, but we laughed a lot and enjoyed ourselves.

I’m including a poem written by one of our protagonists the night after her drama. She entitled her drama “Priyanka Owning Her Power.” One of her hopes for the drama was feeling worthy of accepting an award that she would be receiving a few days later. The picture tells the story!!

Lost & Found
by Priyanka Dutta

I was born resourceful,
I was born beautiful!
But somewhere in this life’s journey,
I lost a part of me…

I kept looking for it here & there,
But was left with frustration & despair;
As trust walked away from me,
I lost my ‘confidence key’.

Unlocking my potential became difficult,
And I started believing it was my fault;
I relied on others to feel good,
And to my ‘SELF’ I became rude…

But in my quest, I found a loving community,
Who embraced me & set me free;
I can’t thank you enough,
For reconnecting me to my other half…

Today I again feel resourceful,
Today yet again I feel powerful;
Trust came back to me,
I found my ‘confidence key’.

I feel very inspired, nurtured and enriched by this time in India and the privilege of working with such terrific people. Gratitude to Dr. Jochen Becker for his initial invitation and for inviting us back for the next two years!!

Dr. Kate Hudgins new interview titled “Spontaneity, Creativity & Working with Internal Roles” aired on the Trauma Therapist 2.0 podcast with Guy Macphereson.

We Have a special invitation to the TSI Family:

TSI is happy (excited, delighted – you name it) to announce a collaborative effort with ACTS (Alexander and Ciotola Training Services) to share the latest information about the efficacy of action methods (specifically TSM Psychodrama) in working with survivors of trauma and in promoting Post Traumatic Growth.

Nancy Alexander and Linda Ciotola are recipients of this year’s (2019) ASGPP Collaborators’ Award for the work they have done blending psychotherapy and psychodrama for trauma survivors.

The product of their collaboration is available in an on-line course: Introduction to Psychodrama for Trauma Survivors which includes 11 training modules (complete with video presentation, downloadable handouts, and more – see below for details of modules) and a video of a full-length psychodrama directed by Linda.

For a brief, video introduction to this program please visit:
http://ac-ts.com/psychodrama-introduction/

 

ACTS offers a tiered pricing structure, based on your status as a professional: trainer, trainee, student, etc.; and region of the world in which you live.

You can order the course directly from the links we are providing below.

For standard pricing based on professional status please visit:
https://training.ac-ts.com/a/aff_gt5q9qsw/external?affcode=137013_hj_ifodj

For those living in countries identified by the IAGP for reduced fee (or to find out which tier you are on), please visit here:
https://training.ac-ts.com/a/aff_s5l9f7m9/external?affcode=137013_hj_ifodj

 

6 CEU’s are available for your participation in this on-line course through CE-Classes.com.

For information and ideas about:

  • how to establish a study group facilitated by a TEP to be able to obtain distance-learning credit from the American Board of Examiners (and perhaps by other psychodrama certification boards),
  • using the on-line course to waive a requirement for TSM Level I certification, or
  • setting up a study group with an interpreter for groups for whom English is not a preferred language

please contact Mario at cossa@att.net

We are excited to be working with ACTS in this manner and by the opportunities this on-line course will provide around the globe.

 

Below are the description of the modules contained in the course:

MODULE ONE: AN OVERVIEW OF PSYCHODRAMA

Includes a brief history of Psychodrama’s founder J.L. Moreno, MD and his early work, an overview of the method’s applications and the overarching principles contributing to its effectiveness.

MODULE TWO: WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Creating a working definition of trauma, the various ways it is re-experienced for the individual, its effect of “rhythmic rupture,” and various contributing causes and their overwhelming prevalence.

MODULE THREE: WHAT ARE THE TRAUMA DISORDERS?

An overview of the trauma disorders occurring across a broad diagnostic spectrum, including: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Depersonalization Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

MODULE 4: HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS THE BRAIN

How trauma reorients and effects the brain, neurological changes as a result, including the impairment of communication between the brain’s hemispheres, and functional implications of overwhelming trauma

MODULE FIVE: FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAUMA-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Highlighting the imperative of the therapeutic relationship for healing, the essential nature of safety and consistency, and the role of expressive therapies, including their ability to connect the internal verbal condition with the non-verbal.

MODULE SIX: TRAUMA-FOCUSED PSYCHODRAMA

Reviewing the ability of Psychodrama to bring objectivity and accurate labeling while re-writing trauma-based material, moving the brain beyond what is “stuck,” and creativity as the key to change.

MODULE SEVEN: THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PSYCHODRAMA

Introducing a myriad of Psychodramatic and related action, art, movement and music methods and adaptations, including the Therapeutic Spiral Model.

MODULE EIGHT: HOW PSYCHODRAMA DIFFERS FROM OTHER METHODOLOGIES

Delineating the inherent differences between Psychodrama and other forms of therapeutic interventions, in particular how it is separate in nature from Psychotherapy and theater.

MODULE NINE: THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAUMA-BASED INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Underlining the symbiotic nature of the therapeutic relationship and the healing process, establishing it as the core of reconstructive work and experiential validation.

MODULE TEN: THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A PSYCHODRAMA

An overview of the essential elements, roles, rules and guidelines, and prevailing structures and methods of a Psychodrama according to the Therapeutic Spiral Model.

MODULE ELEVEN: CLOSURE AND WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Summary statements on the importance of safeguards using theater methods, expected outcome factors, testimonials from patients, and where to find out more about Psychodrama.

 

Check out my new interview “The Trauma Therapeutic Spiral Model” with Guy Macpherson on the Trauma Therapist Podcast. Watch Here!

 

A Process For Psychodrama Training The Hollander Psychodrama Curve

by Carl Hollander

Read more about The Hollander Curve Here

We are happy to announce the formation of two TSI International Training Groups in Experiential Trauma Therapy using the Therapeutic Spiral Model to treat trauma. Please join us as we start our new cohorts in Zagreb, Croatia in December, 2019, and in Philadelphia, PA, USA in February, 2020. You can become part of our TSM international community of like-minded people seeking to change how trauma work is done around the world.

The Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM) is a 3-stage, process model of Experiential Trauma Therapy using clinically modified psychodrama interventions and additional action strategies from Gestalt therapy, Focusing, etc. TSM Psychodrama has research support showing that its use of spontaneity, creativity, and role theory to guide safe and effective psychodrama results in clinically significant changes in anxiety, depression and symptoms of PTSD. In these groups, we will continue our research on increases in spontaneity and post-traumatic growth.

Each cohort will provide the opportunity to meet the requirements of the Introduction to Theory Certification in Experiential Trauma Therapy
by summer 2020. Learn the neurobiology of trauma and why the latest research in neurobiology and attachment prescribed Experiential Therapy as the treatment of choice for trauma-related difficulties. Experience the safety of containment as you share your personal traumas as part of your training in TSM. Finally enjoy transforming your trauma triangle to one of personal recovery, empowerment, and connection to others.

In Zagreb, the group is conducted in English and we invite people of any nationality to join this group. It is already half subscribed so please sign up early. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/2I8o8iz

Philadelphia brings a rich opportunity to interact with senior TSM clinicians and trainers in our on-going cohort of 4 years. This diverse group of practitioners seek to bring TSM to their own private and professional settings. Learn more by contacting Dr. Kate at drkatetsi@ icloud.com

Get More Information on Our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/488289831993590/

 

Dr Kate will be joined by an international training Action Healing Team throughout the year.

Zagreb, Croatia:

Philadelphia, PA

 

Each workshop can be taken as a stand alone training or you can come to all and receive an International Certification in Experiential Trauma Therapy Theory in TSM Psychodrama

 

Event Flyer

I am delighted to announce that Kate and I have finally completed the revisions to the TSM Certification Standards and Procedures. Most of the changes are more structural than actual added requirements, however there are a few additions. Now that the Directorship of TSI is being shared, part of my role as Director of Training will be to make sure the standards and procedures are uniformly implemented, and that all the cracks through which things sometimes fell in the past are sealed up.
Here is a basic overview of the revisions:
  •  In order to meet he needs of diverse students, we now offer three different levels of International Certification in Experiential Trauma Therapy using the Therapeutic Spiral Model.
  • Level I – Introduction to Theory (for those only interested in learning the basic principles of TSM.)
  • Level II – Advanced Theory and Practice (for those interested in advanced coursework and being certified in the TSM Action Trauma Team roles of Trained Auxiliary Ego (TAE), Assistant Leader (AL), and Team Leader.) Note: Students may begin the practice requirements for Level II while completing Level I course work.
  • Certification as a TSM Trainer
  • Requirements for maintaining certification have been added. Please see the Overview section linked below.
  • Each student is required to have an Individualized Training Plan outlining their proposed involvement for the coming year (September 2019 through August 2020).
  • Training Plans will be reviewed on a yearly basis and updated and/or revised as needed.
  • A Dropbox file for each trainee is being established to maintain accurate records of all Training plans, requirements completed, and submitted reaction papers. Note: Reaction papers have long been a requirement. It just has not been enforced. It will be now.
Certification standards are NOT retroactive, so whatever is already completed is finished. Those in process at a certain level will be transitioned to the new standards as simply and as fairly as possible. Those individuals currently in training will be receiving an e-mail with further details.
For quick access to the appropriate website pages, please click on the links below:
Please address questions to cossa@att.net
From my autonomous healing center to yours,
Mario Cossa – Director of Training
Therapeutic Spiral International

Dr. Kate Hudgins shares about how “Courage Is The Fear That Has Said Its Prayers”,  the start of TSM and teaches some Master Classes on Guy McPherson’s great program “The Trauma Therapist”. https://lnkd.in/eiawMrE

TSM psychodrama is used in many varied contexts and situations. This article is about a TSM-psychodrama theory certified practitioner and her applications in communities.

Photo: taken during a TSM psychodrama training in Madrid.

 

Differences are conversations waiting to happen. Talk to the “other side,” because it’s harder to hate up-close, as Michelle Obama says. Here’s two challenges I’d love to see newscasters, YouTubers, Facebookers, teachers and leaders take, and then post on social media for the rest of us to imitate:

– Every day, listen to a complete stranger for five whole minutes. In the check-out line, at the bus stop, at a game, wherever. Keep an open mind; repeat what they said as if you believed it — even if just for those five minutes. That’s called “mirroring” or “doubling” someone.

– Sort for similarities, not differences. In any conversation, challenge yourself to silently list at least 5 beliefs or attributes you have in common. If you train your brain to sort for commonalities, you’ll notice more of them.

I had the pleasure to interview Andrea C Hummel. Andrea is trained in multicultural diversity, mediation and trauma recovery. She holds a Masters in applied anthropology with additional studies in intercultural conflict mediation. She’s also trained in multi-track diplomacy and Shadow Work® and holds a theory certification in TSM psychodrama for post-traumatic growth. Her study of ten languages helps her connect with audiences when presenting at conferences both in the US and abroad. No stranger to staying focused during crisis, Andrea was in the Middle East during the 1990 Kuwaiti oil crisis, Guatemala during the 1995 refugee persecutions, and Greece during the 2015 refugee crisis. In 1991 Andrea founded a consulting firm specializing in cultural diversity. She was also an adjunct faculty member at University of Florida and Manatee Community College. Initially her focus was on preventing conflict (via cultural understanding); now it’s on resolving conflict (via facilitated improvisations). She’s the developer of the cutting-edge peacedramas for helping individuals and communities increase empathy, decrease miscommunication and create alternate endings to historical conflict. She’s worked with the Micosukee Tribe of Indians, Recover!Charlottesville, US Navy STRICOM, AmeriCorps, Equifax, and state and local government agencies. Co-author of an Amazon #1 bestseller on women overcoming hardship, Andrea is currently writing a self-help book on post-traumatic growth with trauma expert Kate Hudgins.

Thank you so much for joining us Andrea! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Growing up bicultural, I wondered why I felt “different” and didn’t fit in anywhere. Studying anthropology helped me understand there are many shades and colors of values, behaviors and ways of viewing the world — even though underneath it we’re all humans. I spent years teaching cultural diversity workshops, and then learned about experiential work. I started leading group simulations so people could experience what it felt like to be an “outsider.” Then in the late 1990s a friend persuaded me to attend a Shadow Work® weekend out in Colorado, where we healed personal shadows through acting them out. It was eye-opening: the whole idea that we have parts of ourselves that we hide away and then proceed to get tripped up by. That’s why I pursued training in psychodrama, which is acting out your stories for personal growth.

Another influence was hearing family stories about growing up in Europe during World War II. My parents experienced living in daily fear and with little food in a country whose people were turning against each other. My grandfather in particular stood up for his beliefs against the prevailing government in a socio-political climate similar to what we see in the US and the world today: scapegoating, bigotry and rejection of anyone “different.” He paid for his activism with his life, as did countless others…So I feel a need to continue what he started all those years ago.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you, since you began leading your company?

This is a great example of the fear and divisiveness in our country at the moment. Like most of us, I was watching the 2016 election closely, on the edge of my seat about who’d be our next president and what that would mean for the social fabric of our country. When the results came in the next morning, and so many people felt devastated, the mood in Washington DC (where I live) was somber. Everywhere I went that day, people looked in shock. I had a jumble of disjointed feelings inside too; I just had to do something. So I got several bouquets of flowers. I stood on a street corner with a sign reading “I’m committing a random act of kindness,” and handed out a flower to every person walking by. It was amazing — and interesting — to see the looks on people’s faces at getting a rose: mostly relief, smiles, and a few people even crying. That simple gesture of me, a complete stranger, connecting with them was what broke through their shock and sadness. Several passers-by stopped to share stories (“I interviewed Hillary just last night, so this is hitting me hard,” or “I voted for Trump, but I’m taking this flower home to my mom who’s a Democrat.”) It showed me how hungry Americans are for connecting, talking, reaching out, being understood — they just don’t know how. And now, in the current social climate, they’re afraid to. It makes me even more passionate about doing the work I do.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I was starting out years ago, I didn’t know how to do an effective sales pitch. I remember talking to the police chief of a small Southern college, who was looking for sensitivity training for his officers. I laid out all the benefits, named other organizations I’d trained, and rattled off demographics and statistics. The chief nodded and asked a lot of questions, so I thought I’d sealed the deal. We shook hands, I got up to go and walked toward the door. Then I suddenly realized I hadn’t told him my fee. With my hand on the doorknob, I turned around and named a figure, then left quickly. Oh boy! Big mistake! He had no chance to ask questions or negotiate…Needless to say, I didn’t get the contract.

What I learned from that is: Know your own worth and own it. Be confident that what you have to offer the world is worth what you’re asking. That applies to both work as well as personal gifts of our time, caring, listening, etc. that we offer to those around us daily.

Can you describe how your organization is making a significant social impact?

Every conversation, every workshop, makes a difference in healing social wounds. We can’t solve society’s problems in one day. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it would be rather monochrome if it were… But what we can do is create pockets of change throughout our towns. The people in those pockets will influence others, be more open with strangers, even organize events to get to know “the others.” They can have the optimism to elect leaders who are likewise positive and working to bridge differences. One of my favorite quotes is by fellow anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

I’ve also seen how even one of our projects two years ago in Charlottesville impacted not only the community who participated there; it also led to a second project with a group of therapists, who in turn helped their many clients, whose families and workplaces were hopefully also impacted by the empowering healing techniques we taught them. And it then led to further projects with nearby municipalities and their employees. So the social impact is a ripple effect of helping individuals in communities heal after violence and miscommunication, who pay it forward by trusting others more.

Wow! Can you tell me a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

When we started our work in Charlottesville, most people the team talked to were traumatized by the events of the 2017 white supremacist march. They were tense, emotional, fearful of leaving their homes, and hesitant to return downtown (where the violence occurred). One man in particular (with whom I later became friends) had a hard time finding meaning in his work, ended a significant relationship immediately afterwards, and stopped talking to strangers. After participating in our six months of community workshops, he said he’d had the catharsis he needed, felt more connected into the community, and was motivated to start additional community events to keep the conversations going. It opened his mind to seeing others through their eyes (instead of his own), and being more open to them even if he didn’t accept certain of their viewpoints. Those are the success stories I like to hear!

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

Social change begins at the community level — but leaders create the structure and role-modeling to motivate the rest of us. Several things leaders can do are:

  1. Model “reaching across the aisle” and listening to those different from themselves. Model placing the well-being of the community/country ahead of that of the individual (such as getting re-elected to office).
  2. Demonstrate acceptance of strangers; don’t be a xenophobe. Reflect this in policies they sponsor. Look for solutions that aren’t black-and-white, such as expelling all foreigners and building a wall. Instead, support capacity-building in other countries, reducing the need for citizens to immigrate to the US.
  3. Organize local “meet-and-greets” with various ethnic, religious and political groups within communities. Remember that differences are just conversations waiting to happen. Sponsor quarterly community reconciliation forums to work through the hurt, fear and anger. In other words: create opportunities for acting out the change we want to see in the world, to paraphrase Gandhi.

How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean?

It’s not about self-aggrandizement but the glory of the TEAM. A good leader inspires his/her team, listens to their personal concerns (really connects with them), and sees them as people and not just producers/automatons. True leaders are passionate about the organization’s mission and motivate others to follow. They are part cheerleader, counselor, coach and goal-setter. They are willing to be a voice for people who can’t or won’t speak up for themselves. (That last criteria is courtesy of my daughter, who’s thankfully good at speaking up.)

What are your “five things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

  1. You’ve got to plant a lot of seeds before you see results. Be patient; it takes time to start a social movement. Several people I met decades ago are now coming back asking for workshops. Part of it is the greater need for social repair these days; the rest is people being more connected through social media.
  2. It’s hard work. You’ve got to keep up your belief in what you’re doing. If you get burned out, take a break from the sad traumatic parts: pitch a tent in your living room or foster puppies. — Yes, I’ve done both.
  3. You need a team. Big things can’t be accomplished alone. Despite what my mother said, the best helping hand is at the end of your arm…AND many other willing people’s arms! I wish I had the space here to name all the caring, interesting and even irritating people who’ve helped me along the way…especially when I was flying blind.
  4. You’ll spend a lot of time educating decision-makers — to explain the need for your services. I’ve noticed that a live demonstration of peacedramas at conferences really helps leaders make the decision. And videos show a lot that can’t be explained with statistics or words.
  5. There are multiple ways to get the job done. If you can’t “save the world,” then become a secretary (or other support) for someone who can. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a translator for the UN. Then I admired people like Jimmy Carter, Rosa Parks, Michelle Obama — anyone who made a difference without thinking of themselves. And now I believe I can impact society just by listening to people different from me, and inspiring others to do the same.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would it be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Differences are conversations waiting to happen. Talk to the “other side,” because it’s harder to hate up-close, as Michelle Obama says. Here’s two challenges I’d love to see newscasters, YouTubers, Facebookers, teachers and leaders take, and then post on social media for the rest of us to imitate:

Every day, listen to a complete stranger for five whole minutes. In the check-out line, at the bus stop, at a game, wherever. Keep an open mind; repeat what they said as if you believed it — even if just for those five minutes. That’s called “mirroring” or “doubling” someone.

Sort for similarities, not differences. In any conversation, challenge yourself to silently list at least 5 beliefs or attributes you have in common. If you train your brain to sort for commonalities, you’ll notice more of them.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how it was relevant to you in your life?

Fred Rogers said: “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

In other words, you see what you look for. That goes hand-in-hand with my mantra that a positive attitude produces positive change. I read Mr Rogers’ quote only a few years ago, at a time when I was overwhelmed by the negativity, violence and organized hatred in the world. I was close to throwing in the proverbial towel and finding a less stressful career. But since then, I’ve chosen to focus on the helpers in the world, those who cut through the chaos to simply be present, listen and do their best for that one person next to them. That’s all we can ever do. I really believe that’s what makes the difference in today’s world.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.

I actually have three favorite people:

Andrea Mitchell “reached across the aisle” in her own home: she’s a Democratic journalist married to a Republican former chairman of the Federal Reserve. If she can do it (while in the public spotlight, no less), so can the rest of us. Her reporting has always been intelligent and insightful…And she shares my first name.

Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have continued their activism, consulting and community support even after they left the White House. Mr Carter was the first president I followed as a young teen, and he gave me hope that presidents can inspire positive change. Both he and Mrs Carter have made perhaps more of an impact on the national and world stage in the past decades than in their four years in Washington.

Michelle Obama personified the quote “When they go low, we go high.” She didn’t contribute to the rising negativity and divisiveness in our society. Also, she was gracious in her role as ground-breaking African-American First Lady and is inspirational as a highly-educated and accomplished woman who was able to balance career and family.

How can our readers follow you on social media?
www.improvforpeace.com
https://www.facebook.com/improvforpeace/
https://twitter.com/andreachc3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreahummel/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

Article originally posted on Medium.com

Journal of Addiction and Addictive Disorders

Scott Giacomuccia*; Sharon Gerab; Darrell Briggsc; & Kim Bassd
abcdMirmont Treatment Center, Lima, PA, USA

*Contact Scott Giacomucci at Scott@SGiacomucci.com for any correspondence related to this article.

aScott Giacomucci is Director of Experiential Trauma Services at Mirmont Treatment Center and founder of the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy in West Chester, PA.
bSharon Gera is a Behavioral Health Therapist and Certified EMDR practitioner at Mirmont Treatment Center’s inpatient unit.
c Darrell Briggs is a Behavioral Health Therapist and facilitator of services for emergency responders at Mirmont Treatment Center’s inpatient unit.
d Kim Bass is a Behavioral Health Therapist at Mirmont Treatment Center’s outpatient unit.

Experiential Addiction Treatment: Creating Positive Connection through Sociometry and Therapeutic Spiral Model Safety Structures

Abstract
Many argue that addiction is preceded by a sense of psychosocial dislocation, experiences of relational trauma, attachment ruptures, or neglect. The lived experience of drug addiction is incredibly isolating and likely to disrupt relationships with one’s closest attachment figures. Most agree that one’s social experiences – relationships, family, groups, and community – significantly impact the chances of recovery after addiction. Sociometry, the study of groups and interpersonal dynamics within groups, is uniquely effective in providing clients with corrective relational experiences in addiction treatment groups. This article outlines multiple experiential sociometry tools that hold the potential to cultivate safety, explore similarities between group members, establish group cohesion, and assess the group based on chosen criteria. These action-based sociometric processes, in addition to two safety structures from the Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM) of psychodrama, are outlined with clinical vignettes depicting their utilization at Mirmont Treatment Center. These strength-based group structures can be adapted with different criteria, different populations, and used in any type of group setting.

Keywords: Addiction; Trauma; Sociometry; Therapeutic Spiral Model; Isolation; Group Therapy

Introduction
Addiction is a complex mental health issue influenced by multiple factors, including (epi)genetics, trauma, loss, alienation, consumerism, and multiple societal forces (Alexander, 2008; Maté, 2010; SAMSHA, 2017). An addiction treatment center is uniquely positioned to target the factors of clients’ experiences, relational trauma, loss, and isolation. The social nature of a treatment center’s community provides a response to the isolation that so often characterizes substance use disorder.

Many have highlighted isolation is one of the primary causes or underlying factors of drug addiction (Alexander, 2008; Jellinek, 1952; Maté, 2010). Alexander (2008) argues that addiction is an adaptation to social dislocation – “It is a functional way of responding to and dealing with dislocation. It is even a creative response that, for a while, can reduce the pain of dislocation.” Recent neuroscience research has shown that physical and social pain look identical in the brain (Eisenberger, 2012) – which supports what drug users already know – opiates (and other drugs) work to reduce both types of pain (Panksepp et al., 1978)! From an evolutionary perspective, separation from the social group meant certain death – “this is why forced dislocation, in the form of ostracism, excommunication, exile, and solitary confinement, has been a dreaded punishment from ancient times until the present” (Alexander, 2008). From birth, human beings are dependent on relationships with their caregivers longer than any other living creature (Cozolino, 2014). As an individual progresses through the stages of psychosocial development, she is sorting out her place in society and develops an interdependence within multiple subgroups of society (family, neighborhood, classroom, sports team, workplace, etc.) (Erikson, 1963; Alexander, 2008). This interdependence between individual, subgroups, and society has been called psychosocial integration (Alexander, 2008). In healthy development, psychosocial integration lends itself to a sense of belonging, community, and individual identity or ego strength.

Relationships are crucial to our ability to regulate our emotions that throughout our lifespan, especially in the face of threat or danger (Porges, 2017). Social connection, relationships, and community are significant components in addiction treatment and recovery (Alexander, 2008; Maté, 2010; McGregor & Bowen, 2012). The emphasis of most addiction treatment programs and recovery approaches includes significant dyadic relationships (therapist, sponsor, mentor, etc), regular small group participation (group therapy, 12-step meetings, recovery house, fellowship meetings, etc), and membership of a larger community (12-step fellowship, organized religion, spiritual group, recovery movement, etc). Alexander’s seminal “Rat Park” research highlights just this – that the presence of relationships and community was the most important variable impacting rat’s choice of drug use (2010). Many have even gone as far as to offer a conceptualization of addiction as an attachment disorder (Flores, 2011). In this light, it is especially important for addiction professionals to consider looking to the practice of sociometry to inform treatment interventions and program structures.

Sociometry and Safety Structures

Sociometry is the study of sociodynamics – or patterns of relationships within an identified group (Hale, 1981). Sociometry, developed in the early 1900s within the context of J.L. Moreno’s triadic system of sociometry, psychodrama, and group psychotherapy (Moreno, 1953), which offers addiction professionals a series of experiential group tools for assessing, strengthening, and enriching the relationships within a group. Sociometric processes can be completed on paper or in action to explore group dynamics (Moreno, 1937). While sociometry focuses on the interpersonal relations of a group, psychodrama explores, enacts, and externalizes the intrapsychic reality of an individual. Psychodrama is an experiential form of therapy (though it is also used in non-clinical settings) that involves role-playing and various other techniques (Dayton, 2005). While much has been written about psychodrama elsewhere, sociometry has not been given the same attention.

In addition to classical sociometry, the Therapeutic Spiral Model (TSM) developed with an emphasis on safety, containment, and strengths for working with trauma (Giacomucci, in-press; Hudgins, 2017). TSM offers six safety structures which are sociometric in nature and incredibly restorative for addictions group work (Hudgins & Toscani, 2013). The six safety structures are: Observing Egos, Circle of Strengths, Spectrograms, Hands-on-Shoulder Sociograms, Step-in Sociometry, and an art project. These safety structures, with the exception of the art project, will be highlighted below with an emphasis on their capacity to form group cohesion. TSM also offers its clinical map to guide the selection and implementation of sociometric criteria while facilitating these processes. The clinical map instructs one to begin with safety and strength-based criteria, then move into criteria based on defenses, trauma, and addiction, and to finish with transformative-based criteria to cultivate integration, meaning-making, and post-traumatic growth (Hudgins, 2017). TSM’s three-stage clinical map is highly compatible with other three stage models in trauma theory (Coutouis & Ford, 2015; Herman, 2015)

Sociometry tools have been used in addiction treatment for several decades and seem to be growing in popularity (Dayton, 2005, 2014, 2015; Fuhlrodt, 1990; Giacomucci, 2017; Hale, 2009; Hudgins & Toscani, 2013; Tierney, 1945). Mirmont Treatment Center is one such facility that has developed robust clinical programming which incorporates a variety of experiential sociometry-based groups. The following sections outline the use of sociometry and TSM safety structures in Mirmont’s inpatient program. It is important to note that these experiential processes can be adapted for use in any group setting (including in education, trainings, supervision, community groups, and treatment groups) with any topic.

Observing Ego Cards and Dyads
The Observing Ego (OE) is a neutral observing role. It is the first psychological function necessary for change (Hudgins & Toscani, 2013). Practicing this role in the sub-groups contributes to mindfulness practices, which are a significant part of many addiction treatment approaches (Lawrence, 2015). Developing non-judgmental awareness skills from a strength perspective appears to be impactful for people who struggle with the devastating consequences of addiction. One way the OE is portrayed is with TSM-designed Animal Cards. The cards contain an animal’s picture and strength word. Choosing a specific card helps concretize and externalize the internal part of self that can observe the inner world and provide an anchor point. For example, a “bear” can represent a powerful, protective knowing or connecting to the word that is on the card “Presence” which is a strength that one will choose to connect to and emphasize. Acknowledging one’s own strengths helps to explicitly identify positive aspects of self and connect with others on positive criteria. There are many different creative decks of cards that can be used for this exercise with different focuses. Group members are invited to share with each other in dyads about why they chose the cards that they chose. This happens at the start of the group and begins the warm-up for participants with a focus on strengths and connection. Sharing in dyads feels much safer for group members than sharing in a larger group. Clients place their OE cards in a visible place around the room where they can be reminded of their strength and the ability to see themselves without judgement. At any point in the group, if a participant becomes dysregulated, the facilitator can use their OE card as a tool for self-regulation. This is often as simple as reminding the client to look at it, stand next to their OE card, or remember why they chose this specific card. If the facilitator has psychodrama training they can instruct the client to reverse roles with their OE and speak to her dysregulated-self from this strength-based role. In this way, the OE role actively works to reverse the negative patterns of self-talk that are so common for survivors of addiction and trauma.

The Circle of Strengths
The identification of strengths is incredibly restorative and healing for persons who have experienced addiction and trauma. Recognizing positive aspects of self helps one in recovery to challenge their negative images of self and renegotiate narratives of self-worth. The Circle of Strengths TSM safety structure, sometimes referred to as The Circle of Safety, is an adaptable action-based group intervention which facilitates an identification of strengths and a deepening of interpersonal connections while providing a visual demonstration of containment (Hudgins & Toscani 2013).
As individuals initially enter into the group space, their curiosity is awoken by a collection of colorful and diverse scarves positioned in the center of the circle of chairs. A facilitator introduces the importance of strengths in the context of the group process and describes the three different categories of strengths: personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal. The personal, or intrapsychic, are strengths that are inclusive to the individual, such as courage, willingness, and intelligence. Interpersonal or relational strengths are qualities that involve others or relationships, examples include: compassion, trustworthiness, a supportive parent, and an important friend. The final category of strengths are transpersonal, or beyond human. For some, this means spiritual or religious, but for others it translates to that which is nonmaterial, for instance: art, music, purpose, and nature.

Historically, the Circle of Strengths began as an acknowledgment of individual strengths during which each group member would choose a scarf to represent a strength that they bring to the group. Many therapists choose to include themselves and their strengths into the circle as they, and their strengths, certainly have a role in the group. Each individual verbally states the strength that their scarf represents and is acknowledged by the group before placing the concretized strengths on the floor in the form of a large circle. For example, “this scarf represents my courage, which helps me to continue improving myself as a person.” The Circle of Strength later evolved culturally through its application in Asia, and was adapted to better compliment a more communal and interpersonal society. Rather than have individual’s identify their own strength, which is experienced as impolite in some cultures, group members are instructed to find a partner and acknowledge a strength that they experience in their partner (Hudgins & Toscani 2013). For instance, “this scarf represents the incredible resilience that I have experienced in you through your story.” The circle of concretized strengths serves as a potent visual reminder for each individual in the group of their own personal resources, as well as the collective power of the group. It can be helpful to invite participants to take a photo, or create a drawing, of the circle of strengths in an effort to offer them another resource for containment or empowerment in between sessions or long after the workshop has ended.

Spectrograms: Group Assessment
A spectrogram is a unique sociometric tool that can be used in the therapeutic process to assess a client and/or group in the “present moment” (Dayton, 2005). Spectrograms are full-scale assessment tools that can be used in the actual clinical environment to measure specific criteria on the group-as-a-whole level. The spectrogram is a life-sized sliding scale from zero to ten in the room. For example, a clinician may be interested in knowing whether her group members are comfortable talking and sharing in a therapeutic group. The clinician can ask participants to picture an imaginary line across the floor connecting to two opposite walls to create a spectrum for the group. One wall could represent the extreme of “I feel extremely comfortable talking and sharing in a therapeutic group,” and the opposite wall could represent “I feel extremely uncomfortable talking and sharing in a therapeutic group.” The clinician would then invite the group members to physically place themselves on the imaginary line, or spectrogram. Once placed on the spectrogram, the clinician can choose to have participants to share with each other or aloud to the group why they placed themselves in their specific location. The clinician now has data from this exercise to better understand some of the group dynamics and the clients in the group will be more familiar with each other’s comfortability within the group.

In Mirmont’s recovery groups the following criteria, guided by TSM’s clinical map, is often utilized. When discussing the different recovery options/programs to maintain sobriety it can be helpful to use spectrograms on discovering the amount of knowledge individuals may have about the 12-step programs, smart recovery, refuge recovery, etc. While on the spectrogram, participants with a large amount of knowledge can be encouraged to share with the group about their own journey as well as have the opportunity to gain further personal insight on what they may have learned. The individuals who have identified themselves as having very little knowledge are given an opportunity to learn from group members about different programs and experiences. The clinician is able to discover the group’s knowledge base on recovery options – with this data the clinician is better able to meet the specific educational needs of the group. Clinicians can also use spectrograms to assess a client and/or group’s comfortability with asking for help, awareness of relapse triggers, degree of healthy coping skills, trauma history, etc. The clinician is able to use this tool to gain data for further treatment as well as promote connection among the members as they learn more about one another and share their present moment states.

It is important to remember that this sociometry tool relies on the client’s self-assessment of where they fit in on the spectrogram. In our experience, clients tend to under-report on positive criteria while over-reporting negative criteria. When choosing positive criteria, it helps start the spectrogram at a positive number instead of zero. For example, with the spectrogram criteria of “how resilient do you judge yourself to be?”, designating one side of the room as ten out of ten in resilience with the other side of the room being five of ten. This provides added containment and prevents group members from under-valuing their strengths. The choice of criteria based on TSM’s clinical map provides a built-in system for warm-up and containment – pendulating into the trauma and back out. This allows group members to work with painful material in short contained segments in between positive criteria.

Action Sociograms
The Action Sociogram, often called Hands-on-Shoulders Sociometry, is a sociometric action method that reflects the healing power of touch and focuses on group members’ experiences of each other. The emphasis on safety has been instrumental in Mirmont’s use of hands-on-shoulder in experiential group work. Practitioners relay the importance of asking permission before placing a hand on the shoulder of another patient which becomes empowering, especially for trauma survivors. In action sociograms, criteria is offered by the facilitator (also following TSM’s clinical map) and participants answer the criteria-based question by placing a hand on the shoulder of one group member. For example, “who do you feel closest to in the group?” “who would you choose to play the role of your strength?” “who would you choose to play the role of your addiction?” or “who’s topic do you most identify with?” Each question results in a new configuration of choices demonstrated in action and concretized by a hand on another’s shoulder. This sociometry tools demonstrates what Moreno describes as the sociodynamics effect – the unequal distribution of social wealth within a group (Moreno, 1953). As group leaders, it is important to be aware of the sociometric stars and isolates within the group and to craft exercises that reverse the sociodynamic effect.

The effectiveness of touch as a tool can be traced back to Moreno’s development of group psychotherapy and psychodrama in the 1930’s where nurses played an integral part in the development and maintenance of the therapeutic community (McIntosh, 1999). Moreno observed and attested to the benefits experienced by patients when a nurse made physical contact by holding a hand or placing a hand on a shoulder to settle a person thereby alleviating their suffering (McIntosh, 1999). More recently, Jakubiak & Feeney (2017) have provided a review of the research on physical touch and its relationship to wellbeing. Touch has sometimes been referred to as a fifth sense because the skin is the oldest and largest of our sense organs and the first to develop (Field, 2011). Moreno incorporated bodily contact as an effective means of providing a patient with a sense of immediate connection to the world and to another human being (McIntosh, 1999). This bodily contact and the healing power of touch can be seen in 12 step communities where groups have incorporated holding hands, locking arms, and hugging as central tenets of demonstrating connectedness.

Action Sociograms are often used to choose group topics or psychodrama protagonists, allowing patients to see their choices displayed in action. Sociograms can also be completed on paper by graphing the social attractions and repulsions between individuals within a group or community – the sociogram is the forerunner of the genogram, ecomap, and social network (J.D. Moreno, 2014). This visual conceptualization and measurement of the social choices has been one of Moreno’s most significant contributions to sociometry (Treadwell et al, 1997).

Step-in Sociometry: Identifying Similarities (Sharon)
Another form of sociometry, and a way of warming up and building group cohesion in early recovery, is Step-in Sociometry (Buchanan, 2016). This tool helps patients connect through their similarities, as opposed to their differences. Often, individuals who are struggling with addiction will be preoccupied with circumstances, believing they cannot relate to someone else’s life story, thus perpetuating isolation. In experiential groups, step-in sociometry creates a foundation for connecting the patient to peers through shared aspects of identity and shared experiences. The Therapeutic Spiral Model’s (TSM) clinical map is used to guide criteria choices – beginning with safety and strengths, then trauma and addiction, ending with meaning making and transformation (Giacomucci, 2017). The process begins with the group standing in a circle and one person making a statement about herself while taking a step into the circle. Other group members who agree or identify with the statement take a step into the circle too. This is a form of non-verbal sharing that allows the group to quickly identify similarities in a non-threatening manner. Participants can take turns making step-in statements, or it can be done spontaneously.

In the following example, we integrated the content of Gorski’s relapse prevention warning signs into action (Gorski, 2016; Gorski & Miller, 1986). The first statement, practicing safety and cohesion, fosters connections based on similarities. “My favorite healthy spare-time activity is…” Peers can identify with one another, which helps patients to ease into knowing their peers. The second statement is moving into the spiral of experiencing the addiction, “one thing I lost through my addiction was…” The next two statements have a double step-in, based on Gorski’s warning signs. These foster a shared experience and connection, by detailing how relapse progression appears for different patients. The double step-in allows sharing both the warning sign and the reaction/feeling. “I know I’m in trouble in my recovery when I… and I…” and “when I’m feeling overwhelmed I… and…” Both of these statements begin as normal step-in criteria, but evolve into a second layer of identification and stepping-in. The final strand of the TSM clinical map is transformation, demonstrated by the final step-in criterion, “I feel hopeful when…” Other step-in sociometry criteria that can be applied in clinical groups include: self-care activities, defense mechanisms, future goals, or favorite aspects of recovery. By the end of the exercise, the group is aware of the similarities and shared experiences that they have. Step-in sociometry allows the group to uncover the previously invisible similarities that connect group members.

Conclusion
While many addiction and trauma group approaches focus on client similarities in their experience of addiction and trauma, sociometry guided by TSM’s clinical map has the power to provide experiences of connection based on positive criteria. Instead of trading addiction war-stories, clients trade strengths and hopes. Many inpatient clients feel as though they are ostracized from their families and communities, and the last place they would expect to experience a welcoming community is in an inpatient addiction treatment center. We argue that an inpatient unit is uniquely positioned to provide this type of corrective emotional, relational, and communal experience. Many drug users indicated that they only feel a sense of belonging when they are with others who also use drugs, so to this effect, an authentic sense of belonging without drugs is incredibly restorative. Clients often enter treatment in a state of psychosocial dislocation; sociometry can provide an experience of psychosocial integration and an enhanced sense of belonging (Hale, 2009). Interpersonal Neurobiology research shows that new experiences change the brain (Cozolino, 2014; Siegel, 2012; van der Kolk, 2014); sociometry and psychodrama have the power to access this corrective potential. While many group approaches can be better described as treating an individual within a group setting, sociometry is treating the group-as-a-whole.

References
Alexander, B.K. (2008). The Globalization Of Addiction: A Study In Poverty Of The Spirit. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Buchanan, D.R. (2016). Practical Applications of Step-In Sociometry: Increasing Sociometric Intelligence via Self-Disclosure and Connection. Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy, 64, 71-78

Cozolino, L. J. (2014). The Neuroscience of Human Relationships, (2nd Ed). New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Courtois, C. A. & Ford, J. D. (2015). Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.

Dayton, T. (2005). The Living Stage: A step-by-step guide to psychodrama, sociometry, and experiential group therapy. Deerfield, FL: Health Communications Inc.

Dayton, T. (2014). Relational Trauma Repair (RTR) Therapist’s Guide, Revised Edition. New York, NY: Innerlook, Inc.

Dayton, T. (2015). NeuroPsychodrama in the Treatment of Relational Trauma: A Strength-based, Experiential Model for Healing PTSD. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Eisenberger, N.I. (2012). The neural bases of social pain: Evidence for shared representations with physical pain. Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, 74(2): 126–135.

Erikson, E. (1963). Childhood and society. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Field, T. (2011). Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review, Developmental Review, 30, 367-383

Flores, P.J. (2011). Addiction as an Attachment Disorder. New York, NY: Jason Aronson, Inc.

Fuhlrodt, R.L. (ed)(1990). Psychodrama: It’s Application to ACOA and Substance Abuse Treatment. East Rutherford, NJ: Thomas W. Perrin Inc.

Giacomucci, S. (2017). The Sociodrama of Life or Death: Young Adults and Addiction Treatment. Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy 65(1): 137-143

Giacomucci, S. (in-press). The Trauma Survivors Inner Role Atom: A Clinical Map for Post-Traumatic Growth. Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy.

Gorski, T.T. (2016). How to Start Relapse Prevention Support Groups. Self-Published: Bookbaby.

Gorski, T. T., & Miller, M. (1986). Staying sober: A guide for relapse prevention. Independence, MO: Independence Press.

Hale, A.E. (1981). Conducting Clinical Sociometric Explorations: A Manual for Psychodramatists and Sociometrists. Roanoke, VA: Royal Publishing Company.

Hale, A.E. (2009). Moreno’s Sociometry: Exploring Interpersonal Connection. Group, 33(4): 347-358.

Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence–From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York, NY: BasicBooks.

Hudgins, M.K. (2017) PTSD Unites the World: Prevention, Intervention and Training in The Therapeutic Spiral Model. In C.E. Stout and G. Want (eds). Why Global Health Matters: Guidebook for Innovation and Inspiration. Self-Published Online.

Hudgins, M.K. & Toscani, F. (2013). Healing World Trauma with the Therapeutic Spiral Model: Stories from the Frontlines. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Jakubiak, B.K. & Feeney, B.C. (2017). Affectionate Touch to Promote Relational, Psychological, and Physical Well-Being in Adulthood: A Theoretical Model and Review of the Research. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 21(3) 228–252

Jellinek, E.M. (1952). Phases of Alcohol Addiction. Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 13(4), 673–684

Lawrence, C. (2015). The Caring Observer: Creating Self-Compassion Through Psychodrama. The Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy 63(1): 65-72

Maté, G. (2010). In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

McGregor, I.S. and Bowen, M.T. (2012). Breaking the loop: Oxytocin as a potential treatment for drug addiction. Hormones and Behavior, 61(3): 331-339

McIntosh, W.H. (1999). A Critical History of the Influence of Jacob. L. Moreno’s Concepts and Techniques on Nursing 1930s-1990s. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Moreno, J.D. (2014). Impromptu Man: J.L. Moreno and the Origins of Psychodrama, Encounter Culture, and the Social Network. New York, NY: Bellevue Literary Press.

Moreno, J.L. (1937). Sociometry in relation to other social sciences. Sociometry, 1: 206-219

Moreno, J. L. (1953). Who Shall Survive? Foundations of Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy and Sociodrama (2nd edition). Beacon, NY: Beacon House.

Panksepp, J., Herman, B., Conner, R., Bishop, P., & Scott, J. P. (1978). The Biology of Social Attachments: Opiates Alleviate Separation Distress. Biological Psychiatry, 13(5), 607-618.

Porges, S. W. (2017). The Pocket Guide to The Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company

Siegel, D.J. (2012). Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. New York: Guilford Press.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) (2017). Focus on Prevention. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 10–4120. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Tierney, M. (1945). Psychodramatic Therapy for the Alcoholic. Sociometry, 8(1): 76-78.

Treadwill, T.W., Kumar, V.K., Stein, S.A., Prosnick, K. (1997). Sociometry: Tools for Research and Practice, Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 22(1): 52-65

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Viking Press.