| This thesis applies principles of self psychology to role theory. People can express their selves and affective states through the roles they play at any given moment. The goal of drama therapy based in a self psychology theory of roles is twofold: (1) to develop and refine roles which aid in self consolidation and the building of self structure, and (2) to integrate the role repertoire into a cohesive experience of the self.;The central function of the drama therapist is to be empathically attuned to the roles which emerge in therapy and to respond to the client and her roles in ways which define and articulate self experience. Consolidation of the self means to have the capacity to differentiate, synthesize, tolerate and contain the role repertoire. It also involves a heightened ability to play roles which self-soothe, self-mirror, and create bonds with other human beings. |
