Challenging Experience

Book excerpt: This book presents an approach to using drama therapy treatment providers who work with adult or adolescent sexual abusers and violent offenders. People attend plays for catharsis and vicarious experience, to feel through performance without harming self or others. The same principle applies to drama therapy -- role-play ignites "in-the-moment" responses that simulate real-life behavior and emotion for examination and contemplation in a safe, therapeutic environment. The book presents a variety of exercises range from warm-ups to low- and high-intensity activities, and include calming and cooling exercises as well. The focus is on using the proper exercise for the client's stage in treatment and emotional ability to participate. Information accompanies each exercise regarding the number of clients and amount of time needed to implement.