A step toward empirical evidence: Operationalizing and uncovering drama therapy change processes

Dramatic projection and embodiment are two drama therapy core processes theorized to account for client change in drama therapy (Jones, 2007). Experiencing is a psychotherapy process variable that has been consistently linked to outcome (e.g. Hendricks, 2002). This exploratory study looks at the development of definitions of dramatic projection and embodiment, and their relationships with experiencing. Data consisted of portions of the film Three Approaches to Drama Therapy (Landy, 2005). Projection, non-projection, embodiment, and non-embodiment segments of the film were identified and were rated with the observer-rated Experiencing Scale (EXP; Klein, Mathieu, Gendlin, & Keisler, 1969). Results suggest that dramatic projection and embodiment can be consistently identified, and that these processes may bring about higher levels of experiencing for clients.