|
|
        
|
RfG is at once a useful and playful application of improvisation, an activity
which people often think of as involving EITHER great artistic skill OR
sloppy, unplanned, even desperate activity. Actually, much of living is
at least partially improvisational—ordinary conversation, for example.
Although an oversimplification, it is helpful to think of humans as having two distinct mental modes—SURVIVAL MIND and ADVENTURE MIND. Survival mind focuses our attention purposefully toward the future in order to get desired results, scan for dangers, and promote the feeling of being in control of that future. By contrast, Adventure mind activity is present-centered and absorbed in living fully for the moment. As adults, we experience Survival mind as the properly dominant mode and view Adventure mind as an infrequent (and risky) lapse into childishness. Improvisation has the power to re-acquaint adults with the joy and absorption of Adventure mind that they often left behind in childhood. RfG utilizes improvisation to reclaim the power, vividness and enjoyment of "child's mind" thereby exploring alternatives to the sensible, functional and routine patterns that keep us stuck as adults. RfG extends the use of theater games to enrich the behaviors of all people as a method of education and interpersonal growth. It also is one of a number of action approaches used in psychotherapy to reach those who do not respond well to talk-only therapy. Please enjoy exploring the web site. The RfG web site exists to further the use of this specific action approach by making available information, products, and services to both mental health professionals and lay persons. The web site is also intended to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas that promote the greater and more skillful use of action methods in psychotherapy. |