I have developed a new understanding and interpretation of psychodramatic theory, practice and process through the lens of somatic therapies. Carl Jung used ‘Alchemy’ as shop talk for transformation of the personality. (Jung, 1993, Mindell, 1986 & Mindell, 1993). Jung rediscovered alchemy in the twentieth century and suggested it was the forgotten mother of modern medicine, psychology and physics. Jung compared the process of individuation as equivalent to the alchemists’ creating gold.

My definition and conceptualization of Body Alchemy means the alchemical transformation of one’s relationship with one’s Body Mind. This intelligence of the body that communicates to us through various means (sometimes called channels) provides us with wisdom and knowledge about our health, our internal well-being and/or the conflicts that arise to restrict or inhibit our efforts of self-knowing. This process has a reciprocal affect on our relationships with others and the environment. Often whatever is happening to us bodily impacts our relationships for better or worse.

Alchemy is a wonderfully expressive term to describe the philosophical, psychological and biological processes that illuminate and transform the body mind in each of us. The body is still and may remain forever to some degree a mysterious universe, no matter how much we might be able to explain the complexities of our body and brain’s physiological intricacies. Thus Body Alchemy involves the mystery and the potential to keep evolving one’s relationship to our body mind.

The Body Alchemy of Psychodrama is about turning the dross into gold. The body is an integral part of the psyche and holds the keys to both the past through memories and the intuitive realm of the unconscious and the creative forces available for personal development and life enhancement. Psychodramatically, individuals will be able to learn through their body and explore within their body in a variety of exercises to increase one's somatic awareness. By deepening the body of awareness,through one's body wisdom, by entering the dreaming body and integrating the psyche of body/mind into psychodrama's theories and experiential learning processes; the body's hidden gold is discovered. Transformation is possible, one's life journey is enriched.

Psychodrama is a multidimensional form of psychotherapy that has a body of knowledge based on personality development, interpersonal and group development theories. It was pioneered in the 1920’s by Jacob Levy Moreno MD Viennese psychiatrist, social scientist and philosopher. He described it as the “Science that explores the truth through dramatic action”. Psychodrama is an inclusive therapy that continues its exploration and research through the broad spectrum of psychodramatists and Trainers (over 400 certified in the U.S) who continue to contribute to the depth, integrity and application of Psychodrama.

As a social science, Psychodrama, does not view an individual in a vacuum, rather it looks at an individual as a member of his/her own social network (milieu). Role theory is based on the philosophy: that our behaviors and personality development are formed in relationship to the roles we develop in response to persons or experiences in our life. We also develop and come to believe the stories that accompany these roles. Hence we have a narrative context to our place in the world, society and in the immediate family or subgroups to which we belong. Psychodrama repairs and reconstructs relationships that influence and affect us in our lives.

Psycho drama is so called because some of its roots also lie in theater, in the language and in the action dramatization of stories. This also allows for a more wellness- based approach. Rather than simply looking at the pathologies of the client, psychodrama focuses on what strengths and attributes are working for the client; where they can enlist the support of resources, and how to access more of their creative potential and spiritual beliefs or moral truths. Psychodrama is most often used in a group context, although it can also be used in a simpler version with individuals. It is a form of action learning in which a person trains for a role, as a preparation for new life experiences, e.g., job, family, or conflict resolution. Psychodrama is often called a Rehearsal for Life.

In a typical Psychodrama group, which may take place in a therapist’s office, a treatment center, psychiatric hospital, or even work place, the group structure is first developed through sociometric exercises. These enable a group to function more adequately through becoming aware of shared commonalties, and purposes, as well as building a strong foundation of trust, rapport and respect. One of the cornerstones of Psychodrama is sociometry, which is the science of social connections, how groups form and function.

Psychodrama sessions are usually 2-3 hours; they are solution-focused and brief because of their intense impact in addressing core issues for the clients. Changes can occur over a shorter period of time than can happen in more traditional therapies. Groups usually run for a prescribed number of weeks. They may also be focused on specific issues, e.g., co-dependency, family social atom repair, trauma and abuse recovery.