O'Donnell, Mary
(2004)
Dance and Dramatherapy
providing a Facilitating Environment for the Physically Disabled.
Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
Abstract
This case study consists of a closed group of ten adults with physical disabilities including
brain injury. They range in age from 35 years to 60 years of age.
I refer specifically to year three of an ongoing practice. At this time the group transitioned
from a Drama to a Dramatherapy practice. The process evolved over 20 weeks duration.
The methodology will take the form of an extended case study of the group practice. The
purpose of the research is to answer the question as shown. Toward that end my
approach will be: To present evidence of group process, the story that unfolded. To show
the reader the link between the research problem, the methods used and the results. To
Identify where, and from whom data was collected and how the theory emerged from the
data. Data collection strategies include: The recording of observations of participant and
myself as therapist, group Interviews, video tape recordings, and staff interviews. The
work under discussion will be informed within a substantive theoretical framework of
contemporary dramatherapy, dance and disability theory. Some reference will be made
to neuropsychology relevant to understanding social relationships and most recent
research on the environmental influence on human cell and brain function and
attachment theory. Applying phenomenology to research, client’s will attempt to get as
dose as possible to their own experience and the experience of the group and therapist’s
journey together and elucidate the meaning of these experiences. In so doing the
evidence will demonstrate that the facilitating environment of which Winnicott spoke can
be provided.
This study will have direct application to the creation of greater access to Dramatherapy
for this client group and will move knowledge in this field a little further along.
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