Zerka T. Moreno and the life she lived is featured in The New York Times

By Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP

Many of you know that I have frequently written about Zerka T. Moreno, the "mother" of psychodrama and one of my greatest mentors, in my blogs and in my book Show and Tell Psychodrama: Skills for Therapists, Coaches, Teachers, Leaders.

Not only was she an amazing psychotherapist and role model, she was a constant advocate of psychodrama in every way. She loved keeping informed about all psychodrama innovations, groups, books, training programs and travels, especially after she was confined to a nursing home in the later years of her life.

I remember writing to her, announcing the publication of the above-mentioned book, and telling her that I would send her a copy as a gift.

A week passed, and I was distracted with other obligations. She didn’t forget my promise, however. Her next e-mail was short and succinct:

“Where’s my book?”

I’m pleased to report that The New York Times has recognized her and the value of psychodrama to change the world in its annual “The Lives They Lived” issue of its magazine on Dec. 25.

It’s a beautiful tribute and shares lovely details about how she and her husband J.L. Moreno used psychodrama at home for parenting their son Jonathan and his daughter by Moreno's first marriage, Regina, as well as a greater history of psychodrama.

You can read the article here.

In addition, the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama is preparing a special commemorative edition to honor Zerka. I’ve been honored to serve as guest editor for this edition, which is expected to be published in May 2017 and will feature articles and interviews from authors around the world.
 
Donations are now being taken to support the publication of this special journal and to establish a scholarship in her name and fund the preservation of her papers at the Countway Medical Library.
 
Those who donate $100 or more will be listed in the memorial issue of the journal, and in the organization's newsletter. Any person who donates $100 or more and is not a member of the ASGPP will receive a copy of the memorial issue of the journal; any person who donates $500 or more will receive a second copy of the memorial issue of the journal. 
 
Acknowledgement letters for calendar year 2016 will be issued to those who contribute prior to December 31, 2016 and any donations January 1-15 will receive an acknowledgement letter dated January 2017. You may submit payment by going to the ASGPP website ( www.asgpp.org ), clicking on the "donate" button and selecting the "Zerka T. Moreno Memorial Fund."  

Your contribution can also be made by check payable to the ASGPP and sent to:  ASGPP,  301 N. Harrison St., Suite 508,  Princeton, NJ 08540