Podcast Archive

S6 E11: Dr. Tian Dayton on Experiential Trauma Therapy

Released February 2, 2024

In this episode of “Beyond Theory,” Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Tian Dayton, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the therapeutic methods of sociometrics and psychodrama in treating trauma and addiction. Dr. Dayton emphasizes the significance of embodied therapy, as feelings are experienced within the body. She developed “floor checks” as a psychoeducational exercise to teach group dynamics and interpersonal skills undermined by trauma.

Floor checks enable participants to tolerate challenging emotions, articulate them, share with others, and listen without negative reactions. This process helps rebuild skills impaired by trauma. Psychodrama, pioneered by J.L. Moreno, is the first embodied therapy method, involving role-playing and techniques such as doubling (expressing the protagonist’s inner thoughts) and role reversal (embodying another person’s role in the dynamic).

Role reversal allows clients to comprehend the other person’s viewpoint and detach from the belief that the dynamic is personal, leading to wholeness and the understanding that healing originates from within. Dr. Dayton trains therapists to trust the therapeutic process and not force catharsis in every session. The therapist’s role is to serve the client’s needs and help them access their “autonomous healing center.”

Witnessing clients’ breakthroughs and self-discovery is a life-affirming experience for Dr. Dayton, motivating her to continue this work. In the future, she plans to expand the training of RTR Sociometrics through her team of therapists, making it more accessible and practical for the current generation of mental health professionals.

Key takeaways:

1. Embodied therapy methods, such as sociometrics and psychodrama, play a crucial role in treating trauma and addiction by engaging the body in the healing process.
2. Floor checks, developed by Dr. Ion Dayton, serve as a psychoeducational exercise to teach group dynamics and interpersonal skills impaired by trauma, allowing participants to tolerate and express difficult emotions.
3. Psychodrama, the first embodied therapy method, utilizes role-playing techniques like doubling (voicing the protagonist’s inner thoughts) and role reversal (taking on another person’s role) to facilitate healing and understanding.
4. Role reversal in psychodrama helps clients gain insight into others’ perspectives, detach from personal blame, and recognize that healing comes from accessing their inner “autonomous healing center.”
5. Therapists should trust the therapeutic process, avoid forcing catharsis in every session, and focus on serving the client’s needs to help them access their innate healing potential.
6. Witnessing clients’ breakthroughs and self-discovery during trauma and addiction treatment is a life-affirming experience for therapists and motivates them to continue their work.
7. The future of behavioral health treatment lies in expanding the training of innovative approaches like RTR Sociometrics, making them more accessible and practical for mental health professionals.
8. Maintaining faith, persevering through challenges, and making positive contributions to the world are essential messages for those seeking recovery from trauma and addiction.

The interview concludes with Dr. Dayton inspiring listeners to maintain faith, persist through challenges, and contribute positively to the world. This episode offers valuable insights into innovative approaches to behavioral health, focusing on embodied therapy methods like sociometrics and psychodrama in treating trauma and addiction. Mental health professionals and those seeking recovery can learn about the power of role-playing, trusting the therapeutic process, and accessing the autonomous healing center within.