Drama therapy (DT) is the intentional and systematic use of theater techniques to facilitate personal growth, promote health, and achieve therapeutic goals. DT is a form of action psychotherapy wherein individuals take on roles for therapeutic purposes. DT, along with other creative arts therapies, represents an important development in counseling and psychotherapy because it was one of the first approaches to intentionally integrating creative arts and process into treatment.

Historical Context

DT is rooted in the rich history of drama as a cultural activity used by most societies for thousands of years for healing, storytelling, ritual, and celebration. Aristotle was one of the first to acknowledge the connection between drama and social healing, and he coined the term catharsis. DT was profoundly influenced by experimental approaches to ...

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