The aim of this research is to seek methods to establish dramatherapy as science and to extend its use, and then to establish dramatherapy based upon emotional model through story analysis. In order to discuss the importance and feasibility of using e...
The aim of this research is to seek methods to establish dramatherapy as science and to extend its use, and then to establish dramatherapy based upon emotional model through story analysis. In order to discuss the importance and feasibility of using emotion-centered approach in dramatherapy, definition of emotion was compared with the concept of emotional feeling, and how psychology applies emotions to therapy was observed. Psychology focuses on anxiety, beginning from psychoanalysis by Freud, developed by object relations theory and this approach reaches its peak at existential psychology. In this study the linkage between stories used in emotional model dramatherapy and existentialist dramatherapy, Gestalt psychology, and objective relation theory, and its adoption to actual sessions were examined.
In the research of emotion-centered approach of dramatherapy, first the process of 'Outside In' was examined. This method is effective in dealing with unhealthy people, especially when emotion is the theme. When various kinds of emotions are presented to participants who have difficulties in recognizing their own emotions resulting from excessive oppression, they begin to understand them in an objective way. This process of recognization is formulated by stimulation from externalization of emotions. Also, tableau assessment method using Randy's role profile was examined to find out how emotions are applied to it. Emotion cannot be seen, but instead it can be carried out by actions. Thus, emotion assessment tool was created by building tableau of roles.
In the research of relations between roles in stories and emotions, actual sessions were reviewed as examples. Since emotion consists of complex elements, efforts were made to clearly distinguish its boundaries. Particular mechanism of emotional activities was observed to discover how emotional flow is proceeded, and how other emotions appear beneath one emotion. For example, on the surface one might express anger, but in truth the person might be feeling other emotions such as shame, depression, sadness, fear, and despair. In this case, the main emotion is not anger, but other emotions that are hidden beneath anger. Thus, inside the process of dramatherapy which use the story as the safety device, one can perceive the true character of one's emotions, and regain energies to continue living in the future.
Methods to apply emotions in dramatherapy were studied by looking at correlation between acting training and dramatherapy : Stanislavski's 'emotional memories' as projection in tableau method, and Grotowski's 'via negative' as embodiment in developmental transformation model. Most patients do not understand themselves properly and in many cases do not even realize which emotions they went through during past experiences. In dramatherapeutic sessions, projection method of 'Outside In' is thus used. Grotowski presents 'via negative' as acting training, which means that all obstacles and barriers should be removed in order to overcome any possible limits to acting. The play is the process of via negative, or the process of removing obstacles in David Read Johnson's Developmental Transformation Model. Inside the play space, difficult problems repeatedly occur, then they are avoided, and solved - the problems then become conventional, thus freeing the client.
For the categorization of emotions for dramatherapy, five emotions were considered: sadness, anger, abhorrence, love, and hope. They are indispensable for healing and recovery, and are applied to processes such as understanding oneself, acknowledging and accepting, recovering self-esteem, and finding raison d'etre.
By encountering the main emotion, the process to retrospect oneself is structured. Drama by far has much more therapeutic effects than any other kinds of art, because drama has two essential characteristics: story and body, and they are both related to emotions.