Using the sociodramatic empty chair with children

Abstract

Sociodrama can be used with children who are brought together to address common issues such as classroom conflict, divorce, ill siblings, bullying, racism, social skill development, parents with mental illness, parents who are deployed, family disruption due to war and natural disaster, etc. The Empty Chair is often used as an opportunity to express feelings, develop insight and increase empathy. It can also be used in role training. This article will differentiate between sociodramatic and psychodramatic Empty Chair work with children’s groups. It will address why, when and ways to use the Sociodramatic Empty Chair during the warmup, action and sharing phases of a psychodrama or sociodrama group session. It will include details of several ways to use the Single Sociodramatic Empty Chair and the Two Sociodramatic Empty Chairs that can be used in counseling/therapy groups, the classroom and community settings.