Group Psychodrama for Dementia, Old Age, and Loneliness

Cedar's book humanizes the work with older adults beyond imagination. It not only inspired and encouraged me to do creative work with every living being, but I also found myself laughing and crying while reading it, as if I was watching a movie or a theatre piece. The book is written with enthusiasm and clarity: It describes the challenges and achievements of doing creative group work with people suffering from dementia, old age, and loneliness with utmost sincerity, enlightening depth, and a passionate desire to touch the reader's heart. Professor Susana Pendzik, PhD, RDT, Tel Hai Academic College, Hebrew University of Jerusalem In the field of dementia care we're always looking for additional ways to stimulate our groups. Once upon a time there was only music therapy and exercises. This book is fascinating, an easy read but also scientific, well versed in theoretical data and examples from life, while encouraging a new generation to get on the wagon and join in doing psychodrama. It not only adds a whole new field to our toolbox, but in line with the Melabev philosophy, accents what they can do, not what is lost; relates to them with dignity and uses the interaction within the group to build a safe, loving, support system. Leah Abramowitz, M.S.W., co-founder of Melabev, recipient of the Jerusalem Prize and the Builders of Zion Prize This inspiring book authored by a true expert shows convincingly how a group of older adults suffering cognitive decline, Alzheimers disease and other dementias responded individually and in group settings to a series of exercises clearly described in each chapter. It is amazing to find out how seniors with various cognitive impairments responded to a wide range of psychodrama techniques wonderfully explained in the book. Soledad Ballesteros, Ph.D., emeritus professor of Basic Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia, Madrid