A Psychodramatist's Guide to Spontaneity

Professional Experience Article

To a psychodramatist, spontaneity means so much more than doing something unplanned or acting unpredictable Although taking a last-minute trip or deciding to eat out at a new restaurant is fun and exciting, spontaneity as a therapeutic concept can be used to evaluate a client’s needs and identify a way forward Spontaneity to a psychodramatist is the single most important ingredient to change It’s the magic sauce that propels us from feeling stuck to a place of empowerment.When combined with a little creativity and a dash of inspiration, it’s the key component that can help us to keep moving forward in life. JL Moreno, the founder of psychodrama, considered spontaneity to be a fundamental influence in his theory of change. Today, psychodrama continues to fully embrace spontaneity as a major pillar of the modality

Moreno defined spontaneity as the ability to respond with some degree of adequacy to a new situation and some degree of novelty to an old situation. To put it simply, change occurs when we take new action or when we do something we’ve always done but in a different way Moreno believed that adequate or healthy spontaneity was directly related to psychological health and wellbeing Interestingly, in his own research he observed that anxiety and spontaneity were inversely related When anxiety increases, spontaneity decreases and vice versa. In more recent times it is commonly believed that with anxiety comes rigidness, fear, avoidance, and false comfort. Since spontaneity is all about taking risks, trying something new, adapting flexibility, and leaning into discomfort it seems to be a good antidote for anxiety. Conversely, Moreno observed that pathological spontaneity (having too much) can be attributed to issues with substance abuse and struggles with impulse control. With anything in life, balance is key. This concept can be a useful guide in helping clients (and clinicians) to tap into some powerful parts of themselves if used correctly.

In psychodrama we use enactment and action through role play and role reversal to tap into creativity and spontaneity by helping clients to co-create those new or adequate responses. But you don’t have to be a psychodramatist to help clients access spontaneity. Awareness is a therapist’s best friend. When clients learn that spontaneity is about doing the uncomfortable things that they may prefer to avoid, a shift happens. For them, spontaneity can look like setting that boundary, using their assertive voice, getting their needs met, or creating more balance in their life It’s getting the nerve to go to their first AA meeting, and being able to imagine a future that is different It’s about tapping into the wise mind, the spontaneous part, or the reframed inner voice For others just coming to therapy is the first spontaneous step Doing the spontaneous thing helps us move from a place of rigidness to one of flexibility. Ask your clients, “Ok so what is the spontaneous thing that you did this week that moved you towards your goal?”

It's important to me as a clinician that I practice what I preach So, what is the spontaneous thing YOU did this week? Was it sticking to that boundary of not scheduling a late appointment, or actually charging for a last-minute cancelation? Was it finishing your progress notes before they pile up? Did you use your sick time that has been accruing forever to take the day off for something relaxing or fun? Maybe you finally read that book you bought months ago or took on a creative project. Self-care comes in many forms, and using your own spontaneous part to guide you can bring a fresh perspective to deciding what you need. In conclusion, here is your permission to act, even outrageously. This is your call to go with the flow, create more balance in your life, connect with your creativity, or as psychodramatists love to say, dare to be adequate today!

Whether you’re interested in learning more about psychodrama or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. I amcurrently serving on the FMHCA Board of Directors for the Southwest Region so please feel free to reach out to me for support or connection!

Written By: Kerry Conca, LMHC, CP

Kerry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and serves on the FMHCA Board of Directors for the Southwest Region. She is a Certified Practitioner (CP) of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy. Kerry co-founded Creative Wellness where she offers psychodrama training and workshops for clinicians. She presently has a private practice in Tampa, Florida where she works with adolescents, young adults, and families who are dealing with anxiety, emotion management, social difficulties, and self-confidence.