Benefits of Theatrical Improvisation in the Training of Psychotherapists

Abstract

Following his introduction to theatrical improvisation as a hobby, the author began applying theater games to his therapy practice with couples and families, finding these techniques useful for both assessment and intervention in clinical practice. Drawing upon the author’s 25 years of relevant experience in training therapists, this chapter presents both anecdotal and empirical support for several beneficial effects on therapists’ personal and professional lives gained by practicing theatrical improvisation during their training. These effects include increased appropriate risk-taking, enhanced therapeutic presence, greater present-centered awareness, greater use of appropriate self-disclosure, access to intuition, heightened attention to power/status cues and maneuvers and the intensification of therapeutic charisma. Specific methods are described and pragmatic guidelines offered for the effective improvisational training and supervision of therapists.