Can your inner child come out to play? : towards a play deficit model of re-claiming spontaneous play and laughter through drama-therapy

• Main Author: Ostroff, Sheila Karen
• Format: Others
• Published: 2001
• Online Access: http://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/1537/1/MQ82671.pdf; Ostroff, Sheila Karen <http://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/view/creators/Ostroff=3ASheila_Karen=3A=3A.html> (2001) Can your inner child come out to play? : towards a play deficit model of re-claiming spontaneous play and laughter through drama-therapy. Other thesis, Concordia University.

In this paper I explore the use of sensory embodiment and laughter in dramaVtherapy as a method towards repairing a " play deficit " due to early trauma. I will demonstrate through a case study that the regressive activation and the re-claiming of the inner child within the developmental play space provided by dramaVtherapy promotes spontaneity and role flexibility. This paper demonstrates why developmental play stages must be experienced to be assimilated and that spontaneity is not something that can ever be intellectualized. A major premise being that regressive play can be healing and that drama play provides a space for the cathartic release of memory and emotion and a place to process it. It is much easier to think creatively around a problem under conditions of play and merriment, than when our mind is filled with a sense of helplessness, worthlessness, powerlessness, and inadequacy. The dramaVtherapist is a therapeutic witness and guide who creates a time, place and space for the inner child to feel contained and safe enough to be spontaneous. This unconditional acceptance permits a space for the recreation and experiential rediscovery of the stages of human development. The drama therapist can provide a model focused on increasing role flexibility through mind/body connections. A meta-physical and meta-cognitive framework is made available for the client to reflect and process their current and early play experiences but from an adult perspective. DramaVtherapy is a laughter therapy, that can contribute to mind/body wellness and advance mental health. Because, as we know, he who laughs.........lasts.