Becoming oneself, a call to action : drama therapy with female adolescents

This research paper involves a reflection, exploration, and presentation of my dramatherapy work with female adolescents. The work is divided into three parts. Part one details personal beliefs and ideologies that have influenced my approach to drama therapy. These include my ideas about hope, respect, and power dynamics; aspects of social constructionist theory (particularly the notion that all realities are socially constructed); and principles of narrative therapy (namely prioritizing girls' knowledge, sequencing life-stories, and externalizing problems). Part one also examines theories and beliefs about adolescent development. The core developmental tasks of adolescence are discussed in relation to gender. Female identity development is addressed in terms of connection, attachment, and relationship. These concepts are then explored in relation to other aspects of female development relevant during adolescence including intimacy, loss, and authenticity. Part two involves the presentation of six clinical vignettes, which connect issues related to female identity development with drama therapy techniques. Role-play (in various forms) is discussed as an effective means of exploring identity, externalizing aspects of self, and storying experience. Part three integrates theory and practice. Connections between feminist thought, narrative therapy and drama therapy are made, and a body of professional drama therapy work with adolescents is discussed. In addition, my own methods of practicing dramatherapy are outlined