Client Experiences of Drama Therapy: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Analysis
A systematic review by Constien, Khanna, and Wiberg brings clients’ voices to the forefront, exploring how people experience dramatherapy, and what they find helpful or challenging.
The review brought together 20 studies involving 302 clients that revealed several ways people experienced dramatherapy:
New perspectives: Symbolic and imaginative expression helped clients explore inner experiences and discover new ways of understanding themselves.
Creativity and play: Creative, playful activities offered opportunities to experiment, express emotions, and explore new possibilities.
Connection and community: Drama therapy strengthened relationships and helped clients feel connected to others.
Room for complexity: Not every experience was easy or helpful. Some aspects of dramatherapy felt difficult or obstructive, highlighting the importance of adapting practice to clients’ needs.
Understanding dramatherapy means listening to the people who experience it. Their perspectives can help practitioners build more responsive, inclusive, and meaningful therapeutic spaces.
Read the research here.
Reference:
Constien, T., Khanna, A., & Wiberg, A. (2025). Client experiences of dramatherapy: A systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis. Qualitative Psychology, 12(3), 311–337. https://doi.org/10.1037/qup0000300.
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