Dramatherapy - Volume 38, Issue 1, 2017

This article explores the benefits and obstacles of using the outside environment for dramatherapy practice with particular reference to children with social emotional mental health (SEMH) issues. I explore the benefits and challenges that the outside environment can provide for children with SEMH issues and other client groups. Through the literature available at present, dramatherapists Steve Mitchell and Martin Cope have practised in this area, but most publications can be found in eco-psychology. The methodology for the study uses qualitative research methods, coding two interviews with dramatherapists who use the outside environment for practice and supported by the author’s own casework with children with SEMH issues. In the discussion, obstacles and benefits of outdoor dramatherapy for children with SEMH issues are considered.

The article reflects on practice as a playback theatre practitioner using the research methodology of autoethnography. The paper explores how generosity can help alleviate egocentric tendencies as an actor and overreliance on technique as a conductor. It considers generosity as central to cultivating the playback spirit and evidences how their understanding of generosity has impacted on their development as a playback practitioner. Generosity is considered as the catalyst for being able to forge more honest relationships with the teller and audience. The article furthers the thinking on how focussing on others helps facilitate ‘letting go’ of habitual patterns in the different context of dramatherapy practice. The therapeutic dynamic is considered, reflecting on how the author is more open, vulnerable and honest with clients as a consequence of their learning as a playback practitioner.