The Power of Psychodrama for Recovery: Karen Carnabucci’s Innovative Approach to Therapy

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Carnabucci—licensed clinical social worker, experiential therapist, and author of Healing Eating Disorders with Psychodrama—to explore how action-based, experiential methods can create profound transformation in eating disorder recovery.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• What psychodrama actually is—and why it’s so powerful for people with eating disorders

• The role of embodiment in disrupting disordered patterns and supporting real behavioral change

• How action methods like “the empty chair” and “walking the clock” help clients see their habits, choices, and stories from new angles

• Why practicing recovery roles (like abstinence, nourishment, or self-compassion) in the body is often more effective than simply talking about them

• How therapists can warm up clients to experiential work without pushing them out of their comfort zone

• Simple psychodramatic tools anyone can try—even on their own—to access insight, strength, and clarity

Karen’s approach is creative, compassionate, and deeply rooted in both clinical wisdom and real-world healing. Whether you’re a clinician, a person in recovery, or simply curious about how deeper change happens—this conversation is a must-listen.

00:00 – Intro

02:50 – How Kristina found out about Psychodrama

4:23 – What is psychodrama?

6:53 – The role of embodiment in healing disordered eating

10:02 – Practicing recovery patterns in the body, not just in theory

11:04 – The disconnect in disordered eating and how the body drives automatic behaviors

11:58 – Karen’s path from journalist to psychodrama therapist

13:24 – What are some surprising insights clients might gain from psychodrama versus talk therapy?

15:20 – A client’s breakthrough moment with lemon meringue pie

16:35 – Common psychodrama techniques for eating disorder clients

17:23 – Walking around the clock structure

24:42 – Empty Chair exercise

27:14 – How to help clients feel safe and "warm up" when trying something unfamiliar

35:05 – Solo psychodrama: Can it be done at home?

35:10 – Journaling, role reversal, empty chair, embodying strength and wisdom,

41:30 – Karen’s experiential trainings, retreats & upcoming workshops

45:00 – Books she’s writing: Tarot in psychotherapy, Sandtray, and ancestral healing

49:00 – Where to learn more & stay connected with Karen

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🗣️Follow and connect with Karen Carnabucci:

https://www.youtube.com/@realtruekaren

https://www.instagram.com/realtruekaren/

https://www.facebook.com/realtruekaren

https://www.realtruekaren.com

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Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.