Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Major

Clinical Mental Health Counselling

First Advisor

Chyela Rowe

Second Advisor

Angelle Cook

Abstract

Disability Justice (DJ) is an important, ever-growing aspect of mental health work that must be further explored and implemented if mental health professionals are committed to harm reduction and health equity. Drama therapy (DT) provides a unique accessibility that traditional psychotherapy does not always afford. The emphasis on encounters, relationality, and creative expression provides more avenues through which people can approach DT. Through analysis of current literature, this thesis explored the present relationship between DT and DJ, the relationship between the broader mental health care system and DJ, and how progress can continue toward competent, dignified care for disabled people. Analysis of the literature found that there is a lack of DJ in mental health counseling, both in training and in practice. To address this, recommendations in the literature are for mental health professionals to seek out disability competency trainings and to consider incorporating drama therapy practices like multi-modal communication and emancipative research frameworks.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

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