ABSTRACT
Trauma is characterized by unspeakable terror, helplessness, and powerlessness which are fundamentally disempowering. In most cases, the victim of a trauma has their voice, choice, and power taken from them. Group work and psychodrama are methods that offer a multitude of possibilities for empowerment, voice, and choice. The safety and support of the group provide a container for one to reconnect with their autonomy and personal power. The psychodramatic approach places a strong emphasis on empowerment and choice while also including an intervention called doubling, which helps a client give voice to the unspoken. Empowerment, voice, and choice are also important principles for organizational leaders to incorporate into the culture of their workplace. Trauma-informed leaders honor the preferences and perspectives of their staff while empowering others.
