In this text, the author takes an existential-dialectical approach to developmental psychology, developing a personality model and showing how it can be applied in practice through psychodrama, videofeedback and creative playtherapy. In the first section, she defines her approach in philosophical and clinical terms. In the second, she explains how psychodramatic principles can be applied when working therapeutically with groups and individuals, focusing on the treatment of children and adolescents who suffer from developmental disorders, drug addiction and self-esteem problems.
Part 1 Theoretical foundation - an existential-dialectical approach to developmental psychology: dialectic; basic topics for an existential psychology; an existential-dialectic development psychology - basic principles and underlying personality model; the dynamics of personality developmental; summary. Part 2 Developmental psychotherapy - methods and practical applications: psychodrama; psychodrama and developmental psychotherapy; a psychodramatic approach to dreams in a developmental therapy for adolescents; action and drama techniques at school; action techniques for boosting self-esteem in obese children, Caroline Braet; self-reflective techniques in individual therapy with adolescents in a residential setting, Karen Adriaenssens, Jan Schrans; the application of self-reflective action techniques for drug-addicted youngsters in an individual therapy, Greet Robijn; using video in a therapeutic setting self-reflection and video feedback, Veerle Vander Zwalmen. Epilogue.
`At last a book combining philosophy, psychodrama and developmental psychology. Verhofstadt-Den+áve is one of our finest scholars. The book is a must read.' - Marcia Karp, Psychodramatist
This book, written by professor Verhofstadt-Deneve, who is Professor of Theoretical and Clinical Developmental psychology at the University of Ghent in Belgium and Head of the International Research and Training Institute on Developmental Psychotherapy, is based on many years of research, practice and training in the field of psychodrama. It is well-written, comprehensive and somewhat challenging for professionals who are not well-versed in psychotherapy. The book also contains an exhaustive bibliography. I would say that for any professional who has not had the opportunity to learn directly from Professor Verhofstadt-Deneve and her team in Ghent, this book is certainly the next best thing.
