“Coming home to myself”: A qualitative analysis of therapists’ experience and interventions followin

This paper presents the results of a study of 17 therapists who participated in theater improvisation training regarding the training and its effects on their clinical work. Qualitative analysis shows that following the course participants experienced higher levels of therapeutic presence in terms of use of intuition, awareness in the here-and-now and mindfulness. In addition, reports of increased levels of animation, boldness and self-disclosure are discussed in relation to therapeutic charisma and therapeutic impact. Results suggest that training in theater improvisation skills constitutes an important addition to traditional training in relationship skills in psychotherapy. Implications for therapist training are also discussed.

Romanelli, A., Tishby, O., & Moran, G. S. (2017). “Coming home to myself”: A qualitative analysis of therapists’ experience and interventions following training in theater improvisation skills. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 15,12-22.