Drama Therapy Decision Tree : Connecting Drama Therapy Interventions to Clinical Outcomes

A second edition of a practical guide for therapeutic decision-making.

The Drama Therapy Decision Tree unites therapy interventions with diagnostic information, individual and group processes, psychological distance, the drama therapy pie, and global outcomes. Rather than using a standardized protocol that makes the decisions for the therapist, drama therapy is based on dynamic, embodied, creative action with participants in the here and now. Conscious planning on the part of the drama therapist before the session supports spontaneity and creativity, preparing them to make good therapeutic decisions in the moment during the session.

The authors strive to provide a common language for communicating what drama therapists do and how they do it in order to demystify drama therapy for other mental health and medical professionals. Using the decision tree as a guide, early career drama therapists can move forward confidently and ground their work with participants in an integrated system. 

Paige Dickinson is associate professor in the Creative Arts Collegium at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her research focus is on pedagogy and professional development in the field of drama therapy. She is the recipient of the John Satterfield Outstanding Mentor Award.

Sally Bailey is professor of theater and director of the Drama Therapy Program at Kansas State University. She is a recipient of the North American Drama Therapy Association's Teaching Excellence Award, Service Award, and Gertrud Schattner Award.