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Processing Emotions Through Drama Therapy
Drama therapy is defined as “the use of creative arts in a therapeutic setting [1].” It can be done in a group setting or individually, but is used most often in group settings.
Drama therapy can be conducted within the group setting by a trained, professional therapist. They are usually certified in both in mental health and Creative Art Therapies, which includes drama therapies [2]. Art therapists use psychological and developmental theories in conjunction with a form or forms of creative arts to enhance growth and positive change in clients.
When using drama therapy, the goal is to have the individual gain objectivity from their own experiences and situations. The therapist looks at how client can interact and play in an objective way, and role-play various persons within their life. It offers to the client the ability to look at various roles and experiences within their life in a new way.
For example, if a person was talking about their relationship with their mother in a group setting, the drama therapist would ask the client to choose someone to play their mother, allowing them to watch the event. This also allows the person to be other individuals besides him/herself. Engaging in this type of therapy allows the client to able to view and be mindful of their own emotions, and own their emotions, rather than ignore them.
Typically, drama therapy sessions follow a framework for sessions. They are check-in, warm-up, scene implementation or major activity, debrief and process, and closing activity or conclusion [3]. Key goals are to focus on the group’s readiness and comfort level when moving from stage to stage. When engaging in drama therapy, participants are not asked to do anything within the role-play that they do not feel ready to do.
Understanding the Basics of Drama Therapy
Drama therapy works to interrupt self-critical thinking, works to rebuild and strengthen trust in own body, help individuals become attune to their emotions, and be present in the moment. It also helps establish a practice of mindfulness and meditation [4].
Practicing drama therapy can help clients with eating disorders to learn how to become aware of their emotions and how the body reacts to those emotions. It also allows the eating disordered individual to be aware of physiological cues to hunger, satiety, thirst, and so on.
There are various types of Experiential Therapies, art, music, drama, dance and movement, writing, and play. Each part focuses on a different medium to help process emotions and awareness of self [5]. Drama therapy focuses on the systematic use of drama and theater processes, products and associations to achieve therapy goals and symptom relief. It aids in emotional and physical integration and emotional growth.
It can be used to tell the person’s story, solve a problem, achieve catharsis, and expand one’s experience [5]. Also known as creative arts therapy (CAT), it also can use role-playing as a therapeutic tool. Often it is uses in all levels of treatment care.
A Drama Therapy Session
Typically drama therapy sessions follow a framework for sessions. They are, check-in, warm-up, scene implementation or major activity, debrief and process, and closing activity or conclusion [3]. Key goals are to focus on the group’s readiness and comfort level when moving from stage to stage. Clients are typically not asked to do anything within drama therapy until they are ready.
At check-in, clients are asked to acknowledge their wants and feelings they would like to work on for the current group. Warm-up, is typically preparing the group for acting or scene that will take place in the group. This involves mirroring, or body movement and can include music, props, or masks. Scene implementation is where the members of the group all work together and participate in the scene [3]. Scenes are fictional and can come from a book, movie, play, or tv show. Members role play the scene, each with its own role.
A variety of techniques is used during this part of Drama Therapy to process emotions, and understand what is happening for each person within their role. Debriefing gives clients the ability to process the scene, and share thoughts and feelings regarding the role play and how it relates to the person’s real life. The group stays open, relaxed and flexible, while supportive in nature while members are sharing. The Closing is typically where members share what they have learning and what they will apply to real life.
Learning How to Process Emotions
Processing Emotions Through Drama Therapy allows for a person to be able to take personal responsibility of actions and behaviors, to be able set and reach goals in a supportive, yet flexible way, and given a variety of means to express themselves emotionally. Some clients with eating disorders may struggle to process or identify emotions. Often drama therapy can assist with this as it allows for awareness of emotions to be initiated [3]. It provides a variation to therapy than traditional therapeutic treatments, for the person to learn from others, express themselves in different body movements, role play, and music.
Drama therapy can be described as utilizing both the body and voice for expressing the self. It can open up feelings, and center on the distress in the body and allow for expression of these emotions. In drama therapy clients situations and experiences can be explored and worked through. It allows for support and furthering interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion, Processing Emotions Through Drama Therapy can be extremely beneficial for those struggling with traditional therapies. It allows for individuals to take on other roles, act out situations and events occurring in real life, form supportive relationships, and be a variation of a flexible and open environment.
Community Discussion – Share Your Voice!
If you have used Drama Therapy, what did you find helpful about it? Connect with others to discuss further on Eating Disorder Hope’s online forum today!
About the Author: Libby Lyons, MSW, LCSW, CEDS is a specialist in the eating disorder field. Libby has been treating eating disorders for 10 years within the St. Louis area, and enjoys working with individuals of all ages.
References:
[1]: Landy, R. 1997. Drama Therapy and Distancing: Reflections on Theory and Clinical Application. The Arts in Psychotherapy.[2]: Frisch. M et al, Franko, D., Herzog, D. 2006. Arts-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Eating Disorders.
[3]: http://www.counseling.org/docs/default source/vistas/vistas_2010_article_08.pdf?sfvrsn=11
[4]: https://eatingdisorder.org/treatment-and-support/therapeutic-modalities/expressive-therapy/
[5]: http://www.naric.com/?q=en/publications/volume-10-issue-1-arts-therapy
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on February 1, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
Baxter Ekern is the President of Eating Disorder Hope. He is responsible for the management and operations of Eating Disorder Hope. Baxter has been lending his services to Eating Disorder Hope for several years but came on board as the full-time president in November 2016.
