The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably transformed many aspects of our lives, including the clinical practice of drama therapy. The research article titled "Migrated onto the Screen": The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of drama therapy provides a deep dive into how drama therapists adapted to the sudden shift to online therapy. Here, we explore key takeaways from the research and how practitioners can harness these insights to improve their skills and continue delivering impactful therapy.
Understanding the Four Positions of Reaction
The study identified four primary positions that drama therapists navigated during their transition to online therapy:
- Resistance: Initial reluctance and skepticism about the viability of online drama therapy.
- Anxiety: Feelings of helplessness and uncertainty about effectively conducting therapy online.
- Adjustment: Gradual adaptation by translating traditional methods to the online setting.
- Fluency: Mastery and creative exploration of the online medium, recognizing its unique possibilities.
Strategies for Effective Online Drama Therapy
To navigate these positions successfully, the following strategies can be invaluable:
- Embrace Technology: Enhance your digital literacy to make the most of online platforms. Attend webinars and workshops to stay updated on the latest tools and techniques.
- Innovate Creatively: Use digital resources creatively to engage clients. This could include virtual role-playing, digital photocollages, or even using household objects to facilitate therapy.
- Maintain Connection: Develop strategies to maintain intimacy and presence during online sessions. This might involve more frequent check-ins, using body language effectively within the camera frame, and ensuring a stable and private setting.
- Build Trust: Foster a sense of trust and safety with clients by being transparent about the limitations and possibilities of online therapy. Encourage clients to share their experiences and adapt accordingly.
Encouraging Further Research
The shift to online drama therapy is still evolving. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct further research and share their findings to collectively enhance the field. This collaborative approach can help in refining techniques and discovering new methodologies that are effective in the digital realm.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “Migrated onto the Screen”: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of drama therapy.
