the couch and the stage: integrating words and action in psychotherapy

This book is intended to explore how action approaches to psychotherapy grew out of Western verbal methods and even traditional shamanic practices, eventually coalescing into a theory and practice that is creative and holistic. As the central concept in the book, action refers to the therapeutic application of drama, play and non-verbal expression in the service of engaging the body, mind and emotions of clients in a process of healing. The action psychotherapies featured in the book primarily include Gestalt therapy, psychodrama, and drama therapy, although the focus will be upon the latter two. The main purpose of this book is to make a case for the inclusion of the action psychotherapies into the mainstream of psychotherapy, mental health counseling and clinical social work. This perspective is well supported by the addition of action psychotherapies within recent mainstream anthologies in play therapy, counseling and psychotherapy, and by current research in neuroscience, pointing to the holistic nature of the brain and its dramatic networks, such as the mirror neurons. Action approaches will be seen as especially valuable for mental health professionals who conceive of their work within a holistic, creative and relational framework.

Robert J. Landy, Ph.D., RDT/BCT, LCAT is Professor of Educational Theatre and Applied Psychology and Director of the Drama Therapy Program at New York University. A pioneer in the profession of Drama Therapy, he lectures and trains professionals internationally. As researcher and writer, Landy has published and produced numerous books, articles and plays in the fields of Drama, Drama Therapy, Musical Theatre and related topics. He has been featured in the media in the CBS-TV series ’Drama in Education, ’ the award-winning documentary film, ’Standing Tall, ’ and his own production, ’Three Approaches to Drama Therapy.’ As a drama therapist, Landy has more than 30 years of clinical experience, having treated children and adults with a wide range of psychiatric, cognitive and adjustment problems. He has also worked in prisons, developing drama therapy programs within the New York State Department of Correction