Main description:

This new edition of Drama as Therapy presents a coherent review of the practice and theory of Dramatherapy. With a unique combination of practical guidance, clinical examples and research vignettes this fully revised second edition considers developments in the field over the last decade and researches the impact of the 'core processes' on clinical practice.

The book shows how Dramatherapy can be used with a wide range of clients and applied to their individual needs. Therapists working in different parts of the world contribute examples of their practice, alongside their research interviews demonstrating the effectiveness of Dramatherapy. The book draws on studies ranging from child survivors of the tsunami in Sri Lanka to teenagers living with HIV in South Africa, from elderly clients dealing with psychosis in the UK to women in a refuge in Malaysia. Divided into four distinct sections it provides:

definitions of core processes at work in Dramatherapy
research into how Dramatherapists understand what they offer clients
clear descriptions of the structure and content of Dramatherapy
a wide range of clinical research vignettes from all over the world.

Drama as Therapy offers insights into how experienced Dramatherapists understand their work with clients. It will be of great interest to Dramatherapy students internationally, as well as professionals working with Dramatherapy.

Contents:

Preface. What is Dramatherapy? From Amphitheatre to Operating Theatre? Drama, Theatre and Therapy - A History. The Emergence of Dramatherapy. Dramatherapy and Philosophy: Belief and Proof. Dramatherapy: Therapeutic Core Processes. Dramatic Projection. Play and Playing. Role. The Dramatic Body. Symbol and Metaphor. Dramatherapy and Ritual. Assessment, Recording and Evaluation in Dramatherapy. Appendix 1