Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Clinical Mental Health Counselling
First Advisor
Dr. Angelle Cook
Abstract
To be system-impacted often means facing stigmatization. The experience of incarceration is profoundly dehumanizing, eroding self-worth and identity. This thesis examines the application of a 3-week drama therapy method for formerly incarcerated women residing in a transitional facility with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This project integrated a drama therapy framework with Robert Landy’s Role Theory to create a method aimed at assisting formerly incarcerated clients in expanding their role repertoire and discarding those roles that perpetuate their disempowerment. This thesis begins with a literature review of role in drama therapy, the experiences of incarcerated women in the U.S., importance of identity formation of those who are system-involved, and the existing research on using drama therapy, role theory, and creative arts therapies to support incarcerated populations, discussing their capacity to address trauma, increase self-esteem, foster resilience, and promote social reintegration. This thesis describes the method’s interventions and data collection systems used. The results suggest that drama therapy can serve as a powerful tool for identity reformation and social reintegration among system-impacted individuals. While the study is limited by its small sample size and site-specific implementation, its findings contribute to a growing body of literature advocating for creative, embodied approaches in trauma-informed rehabilitation.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Donham-Stradling, Mackenzee, "Beyond Stigma: Role Theory and Drama Therapy in Reentry and Rehabilitation" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 7.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/7
