Playing with madness: Developmental Transformations and the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

This article explores the possible application of the Developmental Transformations form of drama therapy to the treatment of schizophrenia. Developmental Transformations is an embodied approach to psychotherapy that involves the therapist and client engaging in free flowing improvisation. Within this paper, the symptoms of schizophrenia are reviewed as well as common treatment methods and protocol in working with both the positive and negative symptoms of the illness. These are then compared to Developmental Transformations and its approach to illness and healing. In particular, schizophrenia is looked at through a Developmental Transformations lens, seeing it as a disorder of embodiment, encounter and transformations. Through these connections it is then suggested that Developmental Transformations has the potential to be an effective intervention in the treatment of the illness. Finally, a sample session outline is presented applying the principles explored.