Dramatherapy & Recovery

Dramatherapy and Recovery offers a comprehensive and groundbreaking approach to harnessing the power of theater in the recovery process through the use of playmaking and performance.

This manual is based on the CoActive Therapeutic Theater (CoATT) model, the first of its kind to be meticulously documented and standardized. With its emphasis on replicability and measurable outcomes, the CoATT model is brought to life through annotated scripts and progress notes extracted from past productions involving diverse populations, including those with eating disorders, aphasia, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorder. The authors illuminate the six principles that distinguish CoATT from other therapeutic and applied theater approaches. The chapters provide a structured framework compromising seven defined movements that act as attainable milestones for participants guided towards producing a powerful and transformative public performance.

Dramatherapy and Recovery equips practitioners of dramatherapy, counseling arts in health, applied theater, community theater, and other mental health disciplines with the tools needed to create transformative performances with individuals reconnecting with the community after treatment.

Laura L. Wood, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Drama Therapy program at Lesley University. With a deep commitment to the field, she has had the privilege of serving as the President of the North American Drama Therapy Association. Her global contributions through teaching, lectures, and consultation have helped advance the practice of drama therapy and creativity in counseling.

Dave Mowers, MA, trained at New York University drama therapy program under Robert Landy, later joining the faculty. He developed and produced five seasons of therapeutic theater under the As Performance program. He is the co-creator of the CoActive Therapeutic Theater Model.