Using Animal as Metaphor in Drama Therapy with Psychiatric Patients in an Intensive Outpatient Program Group Therapy Session: An Intervention

Author

Juliana FortFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-21-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Angelle V. Cook, PhD, RDT/BCT

Abstract

Abstract

Drama therapy may be uniquely suited to help people with mental illness who have negative beliefs about what it means to be mentally ill. It focuses on helping the individual expand their sense of what a person with mental illness can be, as well as their awareness of the other roles they may play in their lives. In the current study, the author developed a drama therapy intervention for psychiatric patients in an intensive outpatient program (IOP). The intervention uses pre-made cards that depict images of various animals. During the intervention, the participants were asked to discuss how they handle life stressors. Then, using the animal card of their choice, they were asked to relate those experiences to their chosen card. Participants were asked to explore relaxation from their animal’s perspective and share their insights with group members. The author found that identifying with the animal role allowed for patients, facilitators, and medical student observers alike to realize the importance of social engagement and connection as a healthy coping mechanism to stress.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Fort, Juliana, "Using Animal as Metaphor in Drama Therapy with Psychiatric Patients in an Intensive Outpatient Program Group Therapy Session: An Intervention" (2022). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 567.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/567