What is Drama Therapy?
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center, our programs utilize an integrative therapeutic approach that incorporates evidence-based treatments and is collaborative in nature. Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. Participants can expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened. An experiential approach, drama therapy may include activities such as: role play, psychodrama techniques, sculpture, improvisational acting, and monologues.
Benefits of Drama Therapy
Drama Therapy concentrates on the person as a whole, rather than on the separation between mind and body. It provides a framework for actions, emotions, and relationships, and becomes a transitional area in which these may be understood and assimilated. It works to interrupt self-critical thinking, works to rebuild and strengthen trust in own body, help individuals become attuned to their emotions, and be present in the moment. It also helps establish a practice of mindfulness and meditation. 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, and can be an excellent foundation for healing, growth, and ultimately, recovery. For some with eating disorders, uncovering thoughts and emotions that have been tucked away may prove difficult. Drama therapy bridges this gap by facilitating an interactive experience in which participants can engage with these thoughts and feelings either by themselves or with others, in a creative sense.
goals:
The main goals of drama therapy groups at BALANCE are to promote positive behavioral changes, improve interpersonal relationship skills, integrate physical and emotional well-being, achieve personal growth and self-awareness, and improve overall quality of life.
Our Admissions team would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding the utilization of drama therapy at BALANCE. Click below to contact us today or learn more about our treatment philosophy here.
DRAMA THERAPY IS OFFERED:
Art therapy group occurs once a week for Day Treatment Program (Monday mornings), and once a week for Intensive Outpatient Program (Wednesday evenings). It is also incorporated into the Weekly Outpatient Body Image Group.