
Refers to the participant, the group, and/or the client in the role of audience or witness.Īn attitude characterized by spontaneous problem-solving, in which a play space is staked out, objects are actively repurposed into new roles, and allowances are made for changes. Two different techniques in which participants can express their own personal material through role-play or onto an object. The nine core processes through which drama therapy facilitates change in participants include (Jones, 1996):Ī technique that allows participants to project their inner feelings and work their issues out onto a role or object. This is the biggest component of the session and the focus of the therapeutic work for the day.Ĭlosing out the session offers an opportunity to discuss how the session went for each participant and reinforce any lessons learned or objectives achieved.ĭrama therapy uses exercises rooted in theater to help participants express themselves and gain new insights about themselves and others. The warm-up activity is meant to get the blood flowing as well as participants’ creative juices it should help get everyone engaged, mind and body. In this first component of the session, participants will check in with the therapist and share how they are feeling today.

Spontaneity and creativity are emphasized as propellers of progress and development.įrom Moreno’s psychodrama technique, what we now call drama therapy was born.Participants use techniques like mirroring the protagonist’s behavior and role reversal to better understand their feelings and behaviors, as well as the feelings and behaviors of others.Participants act out their emotions by reacting to others.The session focuses primarily on one person, the protagonist.Psychodrama went against the grain of the current psychology, given its focus on the present and the future rather than the past (e.g., in the style of Freud and his successors).Ī psychodrama session was generally organized based on the following guidelines (Logeman, 2019):

They can express themselves while sharing a new side to their personality, or dig up an old one long forgotten.ĭrama therapy was first conceived as a therapeutic approach called psychodrama by psychiatrist Jacob Moreno (Langley, 2006). It is intended to help participants explore their inner experience and break them out of any rigid roles or frameworks. “…can provide the content for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis.” The North American Drama Therapy Association (n.d.) describes drama therapy as an approach that: “the intentional use of creative drama toward the psychotherapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional and physical integration, and personal growth.” Johnson (1982) defines this method of treatment as It gives clients a way to express their feelings, interact with others, and rehearse healthy behaviors.ĭrama therapy expert David R. What Is Drama Therapy? Definition and Historyĭrama therapy is a type of therapy that uses theatrical techniques and concepts to bring about meaningful change. Certification and Training – Courses, Programs & Workshops (+ online).10+ Activities, Games, Exercises, and Ideas (PDF).What Is Drama Therapy? Definition and History.
