The effect of dramatherapy on the spiritual growth of the client in a one-to-one context

Abstract

This study explored whether and how the process of dramatherapy facilitates the spiritual growth of the client in a one-to-one context. A number of scholars have studied the spiritual component within the world of drama. This study attempts to demonstrate how the spiritual component is also present in dramatherapy, and how the dramatherapist can use this form of therapy even to help clients to grow spiritually, using the Triple Way as a model of spiritual growth. It also presented the same themes from a psychological perspective, analysing the similarities and differences between spiritual and psychological development. A qualitative approach was used, focusing on three c:ase studies. In the three cases, spiritual growth was noticed. Through a thematic analysis different results emerged. The analysis of these themes revealed how spiritual growth occurred. This study promotes the interdisciplinary approach that can be fostered between various disciplines, particularly dramatherapy and spiritual direction. It also equips the dramatherapist with ways of helping clients in their spiritual journey.