| Abstract [eng] |
The Experience of a Drama Therapist as a Group Leader During Sessions, Drama Therapist's Experience in Leading Group Sessions, Veronika Tarasevičiūtė – Šiaulytienė, Vilnius, Vilnius, 2026, 68 pages. The field of drama therapy in the context of Lithuanian therapeutic work is still very new, not widely studied by scientists. Since 2019. studies at Vilnius University have graduated several dozen professionals who are currently working throughout Lithuania. Professional drama therapists work in institutions of different profiles, providing art therapy services to clients (or patients) of different specificities and age groups. Internationally conducted scientific research shows that regardless of the workplaces of drama therapists, the profiles of clients (or patients) for whom drama therapy groups are conducted, there are unifying factors in the professional experience of group therapists. The psychosocial intervention method of drama therapy is applied to groups, testing not only the professional competencies of the therapist, but also the manifestation of personal characteristics. In order to capture the sensitive professional experiences of representatives of the still completely new Art Therapy community in Lithuania, a qualitative study was organized. The purpose of the study: To analyse, structure and describe the experience of a drama therapist as a group leader during the sessions. Participants of the study: 8 professional drama therapists leading drama therapy sessions for groups in Lithuania. Research methodology: a qualitative research approach was applied, the research data were collected using the semi-structured interview method, the data were analysed and structured using the qualitative inductive analysis method. Research results: analysing the collected data revealed three main themes: 1. The leader's identity in group therapy sessions 2. The drama therapist's position in the group during the sessions 3. External factors determining the drama therapist's experience in the group. Research conclusions: After examining the experience of the drama therapist as a group leader during the sessions, it was found that the role of the therapeutic group leader is a figure who directly shapes the group, whose personal characteristics and authenticity are reflected in the group dynamics. The study revealed two internal factors that determine the therapist's experience in the group: introspection and self-efficacy, by relying on them, the therapist can maintain self control, focus, and shape his or her own inner well-being during the sessions. The study captured external factors, such as: self-development, self-training and the application of mindfulness practices, personal therapy, and supervision, thanks to which the therapist, growing as a person and professional, who is able to enshroud the group, by responding to its needs, and deepening the therapeutic process. The findings and insights emerging from the study may serve to strengthen the psychosocial well-being of members of the drama therapist community. |
