Vandevelde, Béatrice
The Theater Group as a Therapeutic Mediation for Adolescents during a Hindered Subjectification Process
- 2012.
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The authors of this paper developed a mediation practice based on theater through their work with teenagers in a medico-psycho-pedagogical center. They investigate the therapeutic value of drama and see its imaginary dimension and its symbolic function shed light on the psychic mechanisms involved in theater groups. More specifically, improvisational drama is considered as an imaginary space that enables the teenager to play with primary identifications. The patient takes steps toward forming his/her ego in a process similar to the one involved in the mirror stage. The authors also underline the therapist’s role insofar as it supports the therapeutic value of improvisational drama.