Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Chyela Rowe, PhD, RDT/BCT
Abstract
This capstone thesis explored how emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and drama therapy (DT) could be integrated to improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mental healing. Based on attachment theory and emotional process framework, how these two different but complementary interventions could increase emotional participation and transformation was explored. This literature review indicated that although EFT’s structured and verbal approach is different from DT’s creative and embodied skills, the two approaches share common goals and target the same emotional process. In DT, several techniques can be found that are closely related to EFT’s emotional process. These techniques can provide a unique and complementary model that can be utilized in therapy. This thesis critically analyzed the EFT and DT studies focusing on emotional processes and transformation to find out a possible connection between these two approaches. Finally, the research suggested that connecting these two approaches would offer flexibility and could be easily used in therapy. The research suggests it would be especially beneficial for clients who have difficulty with verbal expression, thus opening a new pathway for emotional healing and growth through drama therapy. Future researchers could develop a structural intervention model that integrates EFT and DT and continue to explore this approach to see its effectiveness.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Yuan, Chiao-Ting, "Emotional Pathways: A Literature Review of Emotion Process in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Drama Therapy" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 69.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/69
