Defusing Bombs
(Department of Psychiatry, North Devon District Hospital, 1993 - 98)
was a series of ongoing weekly sessions (3 hours a week for 12 - 16 weeks) working with men who were experiencing problems with controlling their anger & violence. Using a mixture of drama techniques, mask work & strong visual images, participants created a “language of anger” through which they could articulate & communicate their experiences of the world, their relationship to violence & anger, & their notions around manhood. Drama & roleplay allowed participants to wrestle with their current “high risk areas” & to rehearse realistic alternative models of behaviour in a safe & supportive group work environment.
Work then focussed in a more analytical way on participants childhood experiences of anger & abuse, & looked at dealing with the ongoing underlying issues & emotions that were the long standing “fuel” for their feelings & behaviours, which would form the basis of ongoing work with therapists after the end of the course.
“My whole outlook on life has changed due to this group”
Participant
“It’s obvious that I will still get angry, but with what I have learnt in the group…I will not ever lose my temper to the extent that I did previously. I owe so much to everyone in the group; without them helping me through this worst stage in my life I might not be here today. Thank you to everyone for all the care & support over the last 16 weeks. Respect.”
Participant
“Given the success of these techniques for a very difficult & volatile group, it was extremely worthwhile & successful”
Consultant Psychiatrist
(See also the Defusing Bombs training).