ABSTRACT
Via four case stories, this chapter depicts in vivid and moving detail how drama therapy treatment unfolds and progresses over time with actual clients. The first story of a high functioning male client seeking greater contact with his emotions takes place in a private practice setting; the other three stories focus on individuals within drama therapy groups in a psychiatric day treatment program. Throughout these diverse stories, the author emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, tailoring treatment to the uniqueness of each individual client, fostering both safety and challenge, and promoting playfulness, emotional expression, perspective, and empathic relationships (with others and with oneself). The stories also illustrate embodied exploration and healing of intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamics, wounds, and trauma—while also honing resiliency.
