J.L. Moreno writes: "Being a genius does not consist only of having ideas. This is essential, but is a far later phase of genius. Being a genius starts with a feeling of being in contact with the whole universe, a feeling of totality, being fed by it free of charge and feeding it gratefully in return." In this book, the presentation of his life, vision, and life's work, Moreno gives countless portals for the opening of contact with the whole universe, to a feeling of totality. This totality is what motivated him, and has also motivated the editor for much of his life. The direct felt experience of this totality is at the center of religious, existential, and spiritual traditions, and in this book we have an uncloaked method for the same enlightenment process. The totality and wholeness of life can be found in the enactment of Moreno's method. What can be greater than to really live this and to give it to others?

J. L. Moreno, M.D., is recognized as the originator of sociometry and psychodrama, and was a prodigious creator of methods and theories of creativity, society, and human behavior. The methods and techniques he authored have been widely adopted; the theories and philosophy upon which the methods are founded have not, as they are frequently couched in language which is not easily understood. Moreno’s ideas about group psychotherapy have pretty well gotten lost, and what he considered his greatest contribution, sociometry, gets paid superficial attention by most psychodramatists . Group psychotherapy and psychodrama are both widely practiced but often based on non-Morenean theory, likely due to the inaccessibility of Moreno’s work. This book outlines Moreno’s early years (his religious phase), the philosophy on which the foundation of his methods are based, and a description of the three major methods Moreno originated: psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy. It provides a more systematic presentation of Moreno’s work and presents his philosophy and theory clearer, more understandable manner.

J. L. Moreno wrote books, chapters and articles about psychodrama. His writing, like the method he pioneered, is rich and complex. Many students, practitioners and participants around the world have encountered Moreno's work in action; however, fewer people may have had the opportunity to read and think about the 'words of the father' due to the limited availability of key texts. A desire to ensure Moreno's work is available to the widest possible audience inspired members of the North West Psychodrama Association to work together to re-publish the books in this series. We hope by doing so J. L. Moreno's words will continue to reverberate across time and space: inspiring new generations of practitioners to be as creative and spontaneous as is possible whilst managing the complexity of modern day practice.

The untold story of the creative genius behind major 20th-century movements in therapy and theater and his lasting influence

This open access book outlines the intersections between social work and the methods of sociometry and psychodrama. Different sections offer essential practice wisdom for both trauma-focused and trauma-informed experiential work for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. This text enriches the understanding of various action-based approaches and highlights how to enliven social work practice. The chapters include clinical vignettes and examples of structured sociometric prompts with diverse populations, topics, and social work settings to enhance the understanding of group practice, individual practice, and community practice. It provides social workers and other professionals with dynamic tools to improve assessment, intervention, activism, and leadership. Strength-based practical tools are offered to readers, along with guidance for theoretical conceptualizations. This integrative book is an essential read for students, practitioners, leaders, and scholars within the fields of social work, psychodrama, the creative art therapies, group therapy, community organizing, and social activism.

The Quintessential Zerka documents the origins and development of the theory and practice of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy through the work and innovation of its co-creator, Zerka Toeman Moreno. This comprehensive handbook brings together history, philosophy, methodology and application. It shows the pioneering role that Zerka, along with her husband J. L. Moreno, played in the development, not only of the methods of psychodrama and sociometry, but of the entire group psychotherapy movement worldwide. It demonstrates the extent to which Zerka's intuitive and intellectual grasp of the work, combined with her superb ability to organize and synthesize, continue to exert an influence on the field. Toni Horvatin and Edward Schreiber have selected articles that span a career of some sixty years, from Zerka’s very first publication to recent, previously unpublished, work. Personal anecdotes and poetry from Zerka herself provide a valuable context for each individual article. The selection includes: psychodrama, it's relation to stage, radio and motion pictures psychodramatic rules, techniques and adjunctive methods beyond aristotle, breuer and freud: Moreno’s contribution to the concept of catharsis psychodrama, role theory and the concept of the social atom. This book provides a rich source of insight and inspiration for all those interested in the history, development and practice of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy, whatever their level of experience. It will be of interest to anyone involved in the fields of psychology, counselling, sociology, social work, education, theatre, or human relations.

This book offers a comprehensive guide to psychodrama, including the underlying philosophy, methodology, theory and applications. Taking readers through the process of staging a psychodrama session, from the contracting phase, exploration and enactment to closure and integration, the book also presents brief short examples to illustrate how to choose the best methodological approach for any context, and describes in detail the various psychodrama techniques and their application in practice, with indications, contraindications, typical pitfalls and FAQs. The book demonstrates that psychodrama is not merely a collection of methods and techniques and that the potential of psychodrama cannot be fully utilized without an in-depth knowledge of its conceptual foundations. With examples from a range of practices, it shows the broad applicability of psychodrama in therapeutic and non-therapeutic contexts alike, e.g. in educational contexts (school and adult education), social work, organization development, coaching and many other fields. This easy-to-read book uses jargon-free language and will appeal to psychotherapy researchers and practitioners, as well as non-therapeutic professionals like human resource consultants and life coaches. This is a translated and revised edition of the best-selling German book Psychodrama: Grundlagen (Springer, 2014, 3rd edition).

First published in 1993, The Inner World Outside has become a classic in its field. Paul Holmes walks the reader through the ‘inner world’ of object relationships and the corresponding ‘outside world’ shared by others in which real relationships exist. Trained as a psychotherapist in both psychoanalytical and psychodramatic methods, Paul Holmes has written a well informed, clear introduction to Object Relations Theory and its relation to psychodrama. He explores the links between the theories of J.L. Moreno, the founder of psychodrama, and Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, and presents a stimulating synthesis. Each chapter opens with an account of part of a psychodrama session which focus on particular aspects of psychodrama or object relations theory illuminating the concepts or techniques using the clinical material from the group to illustrate basic psychoanalytic concepts in action. Published here with a new introduction from the author that links the book’s content to concepts of attachment theory, the book weaves together the very different concepts in an inspiring and comprehensive way that will ensure the book continues to be used by mental health and arts therapies professional, whether in training or practice.

Again available! This handy volume collects the best and most important writings of J.L. Moreno in one concise and accessible place. This unique collection explores Moreno's thought in developing psychodrama and sociometry, with his strong emphasis on spontaneity and creativity. The book discusses both basic and advanced concepts and techniques of psychodramatic treatment. Thte reader will find extensive examples from Moreno's own cases containing verbatim transcripts that illustrate the give-and-take between Moreno, his patients, and the audience observers. Jonathan Fox introduces the book with a brief overview of Moreno's life and ideas and places him in the context of his time and in the field of psychotherapy. Fox's notes throughout underscore significant aspects of the selections for the practitioner and student.