Drama Therapy
Drama therapy is defined by the National Association for Drama Therapy as “the systematic and intentional use of drama/theater processes and products to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional and physical integration and personal growth.” Drama therapy is an active, experiential approach which incorporates the use of story, role, improvisation, embodiment, and metaphor.
“Dramatic Enactment can create a bridge between human limitations and human aspirations, between whom we are, and whom we hope to become.”
-Acting for Real by Renee Emunah
Treatment goals in drama therapy:
- Expression and Containment of Emotions
- Development of the Observing Self- The inner “director” who holds hope for change
- Expansion of role repertoire- playing a greater number of roles with greater flexibility, commitment, and integrity
- Development of a more positive self image
- Confidence and competence in social relations, interpersonal skills, and spontaneity
Drama Therapy can occur in individual therapy, family therapy, and groups. Drama Therapy groups are especially beneficial for people struggling with relational issues. Psychological health rests both on being able to receive support from others and on being able to give support to ourselves. Give and Take.
As an improvisational theatre teacher and director, I focus much of work around supporting the reawakening of spontaneity.
Spontaneity: “sua sponte”- (Latin) one’s own free will or accord, coming from within.
“Through spontaneity, we are re-formed into ourselves, creating an explosion that for the moment frees us from handed-down frames of reference, memory choked with old facts…” Viola Spolin- considered the grandmother of modern American Improvisational Theatre
Spontaneity allows for a feelings of Permission, Freedom and Joy!
Spontaneity allows for opportunities to “stay in the present moment.” A greater awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a non-judgmental stance.
Given that drama therapy can be a very active process, I also encourage space for stillness and reflection.
“Do Be Do Be Do”- Frank Sinatra
Self Revelatory Theatre Performance:
Self Revelatory Theatre is both a therapeutic process and a genre of theatre. It has roots in the works of Grotowski, Artaud, The Living Theatre and other experimental forms of theatre who explore the actor’s own process and the relationship between the actor and the audience.
I have directed three Self-Revelatory theatre performances with graduate students of the Drama Therapy program at California Institute of Integral Studies as well as written and performed my own. Self-Revelatory theatre is a wonderful opportunity for both theatre professionals and people with any range of theatrical experience.