Expressive Art Therapy

Drama Therapy (DT) is an expressive art therapy that uses storytelling, role-play, and improve to encourage self-expression and social growth for its clients (North American Drama Therapy). Studies show that Drama Therapy reduces feelings of isolation, promotes development of coping skills, and promotes self-expression (Paris 2013). Although this method of Expressive Art Therapy (EAT) can be implemented in many different populations it is grossly understudied concerning children younger than twelve (Paris 2013). However, research on the fundamentals of DT has shown a strong correlation between expressive arts therapy and strengthened social ability (Bannister 1997). Although many studies examine the personal growth that accompanies Drama Therapy

HPT is generally used with children aged three through eleven and encourages self-expression through natural play (Homeyer & Morrison 2008). By integrating both a positive intervention for encouraging self-expression in children was employed (Perryman 2015). This intervention tool was used on young adolescent girls and contributed to personal self-esteem and self-awareness (Perryman 2015). Drama Therapy encouraged the girls to put their stories out their and thus contributed to their positive responses of feeling heard and positive social interactions outside the therapeutic group (Perryman 2015).

Because Drama Therapy encourages self-expression this may lead to improved social skills and relationships (Perryman 2015, Goldstein 2013). Perryman 2015 found that the girls were able to find a positive mode of communication for interacting with both their peers and adults. These studies however did not examine how DT’s positive correlation with social growth, because of group success, could translate into an elementary school setting. Most studies look at adolescent and adult groups. Most importantly how EAT could improve academic

The study suggests that future studies should implement social skill training in a school curriculum (Onodera et al 2004). According to the North American Drama Therapy Association, the fundamentals of Drama Therapy employ clients of all ages with the necessary tools to process events and communicate with others when verbal skills may be insufficient. Also studies have shown that EAT has positive social growth and self-esteem in a group setting (Perryman 2015, NADTA). Further research is needed to see if the social skills derived from Drama Therapy could help promote stronger social relationships in a classroom