ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces grief as an enduring theme that arises on both conscious and unconscious levels within dramatherapy sessions, and also as an ambivalence between life and death. Case and session vignettes are used to highlight the potential for the process to support clients struggling with issues around death: many struggle with suicidal thoughts, some have survived suicide attempts and others have friends or family members who have committed suicide or died from natural causes. The emotional pain experienced by clients, whether in response to their past or present, may also have a considerable impact on those working with them. This issue is explored in relation to personal practice and research, including the feedback from nine colleagues and thirteen dramatherapists. The complexity of the therapeutic relationship is considered in relation to attachment and rejection, hope and futility, transference and countertransference. Finally, regular clinical supervision is stressed as a crucial process.
