Attachment representations and therapeutic distancing as constructs in the development of working alliance in drama therapy

This qualitative research project studied the importance of understanding a client's attachment style when introducing drama therapy techniques at various levels of therapeutic distance during the initial stages of therapeutic intervention while establishing a working alliance. Five single mothers of children currently involved in a behavioural intervention program were invited to participate in a drama therapy support group for 1.5 hours weekly for the duration of four sessions. A self-report attachment measure was given prior to the sessions, while distancing was assessed through responses to various drama therapy techniques by client and therapist narratives. Overall, there was a trend of insecure attachment styles among the participants, who appeared to prefer a more overdistanced approach to the therapeutic material. The implications for these findings indicate that understanding a client's attachment style during the initial stages of intervention can offer important information about client anxiety and avoidance. This information can be utilized by the therapist, who can then effectively choose interventions. Subsequently, this research also supports Glass's (2006) notion that commencing interventions, using overdistanced techniques, will help create safety and trust within the drama therapy session