Role Playing

Role playing is broadly defined as any instance or situation in which one deliberately acts out or assumes a particular character or role. In behavior therapy, role playing refers to widely accepted therapeutic techniques in which participants act out specific behavioral roles. The enactments provide material that can be targeted by interventions, with the goals of modifying behavior, expanding awareness, or changing attitudes. The therapist often plays the role of antagonist, while the client usually plays himself or herself. Because role playing allows one to overcome inhibitions and act out the inner self in a spontaneous, creative way, this process is widely used and accepted as an intervention for children.

Although there are many variations of the technique, role plays often involve acting out ...