Current Approaches in Drama Therapy

Current Approaches in Drama Therapy is the first book in the field to provide a comprehensive, organized and researched introduction to the breadth and depth of drama therapy. This purpose is carried out through: (1) A delineation of the 16 drama therapy frames of reference of the key approaches taught, utilized, and published in the U.S. and Canada. Authored either by their founders or key proponents of the method and techniques, each senior drama therapist wrote within a common outline addressing historical genesis, theoretical model and case example allowing the reader comparison and assessment; (2) A discussion of the history and roots of drama therapy in North America providing a temporal context for this rapidly growing field. (3) An exploration issues of theory building in the health care professions, an identification of important components of theoretical model formulation and the establishment of validity; (4) A researched and subject validated comparative analysis in which pivotal concepts, techniques, and applications are gleaned from each of the 16 frames and commonalities formulated into a fundamental conceptualization of the current state of drama therapy in North America; (5) A glossary of key concepts utilized by the approaches along with a subject index. Current Approaches in Drama Therapy fulfills a need for a comprehensive introduction to the various drama therapy theoretical models and techniques that are being utilized and taught. This highly informative and indispensable volume is structured for: (6) drama therapy training programs; (7) mental health professionals such as counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, and creative arts therapists who work with a variety of clinical and at-risk populations; (8) educators, school counselors, occupational therapists, theater and drama teachers, and organizational development consultants who work in larger systems such as schools, community programs, prisons, and in business environments addressing such issues as diversity, mediation, psycho-education, prevention, consciousness raising, increasing communication, creative visioning, issue and problem solving-oriented educational theater, and global issues of human rights and the breaking down barriers toward peace and expanded human consciousness.