An Adaptive Paradox: Improvised Drama Therapy and Dialectical Behavior for Eating Disorders in Teens
Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Psychology
First Advisor
Angelle Cook
Abstract
The complexity of treating eating disorders compels professionals to investigate collaborative and integrative approaches to address psychological rigidity and emotional aversion in affected individuals. Mindfulness within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and improvisational theater techniques may contribute to advancing emotional flexibility. This thesis study explored spontaneity in expressive therapy and gauged budding adaptive skills related to emotion regulation in minors with eating disorders. At a behavioral health center in Southern California, I held a dual role as a group facilitator and trainee drama therapist; I therein joined DBT and improvised drama therapy methods into a group treatment setting for ages 14 to 17. Although I discovered several creative factors to influence emotional regulation, improvisation-based drama therapy (DT)—executed inside a secure play space—favored improved versatility and participation in treatment. This report demonstrated improvision in DT could serve as a worthwhile intervention for adolescents with eating disorders. However, further research is needed before introducing improvised DT to other therapeutic structures.
Creative Commons License
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Recommended Citation
Taylor, Krystany, "An Adaptive Paradox: Improvised Drama Therapy and Dialectical Behavior for Eating Disorders in Teens" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 54.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/54
Included in
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