Developmental Transformations: Improvisational Drama Therapy with Children in Acute Inpatient Psychiatry

Abstract

This article describes the use of Developmental Transformations drama therapy in groups within an acute psychiatric setting, exploring issues specific to group work with child psychiatric inpatients. Case material from a series of sessions is used to explore how group members can use the process for mutual support as well as to increase flexibility and capacity for creative expression. Connections are drawn between Developmental Transformations and social group work theories to illustrate parallels between the two practice methods.

Keywords:

• drama therapy
• group work
• inpatient psychiatry
• children
• Developmental Transformations