Chapter 16 - Role Play

This technique is used for clients who need to develop a deeper understanding of or make a change within themselves. In this setting, clients reenact themselves and receive feedback from the counselor or group members. This occurs within the present and there are four elements and three phases within this technique. The three phases are warm-up, action, and sharing and analysis. The four elements include encounter, the stage, the soliloquy, and doubling. In the book, the example used takes place in a group counseling setting for high school juniors and seniors who are working on improved emotional expression and social interactions with peers and family members. I think that this technique can be used in any situation where the client would like to change something about themselves. Through this technique, clients can explore how their actions effect others and vice versa. This can also help people to understand the viewpoints of others. I think that this technique seems very similar to the empty chair and behavioral reversal techniques. I can see how this can be used in addition to both techniques or on its own. I think this technique will be very useful to me in my future counseling endeavors.