The word “catharsis” sounds familiar to all of us, which, according to the Dictionary of the Royal Academy, is about the “effect that tragedy (theater) causes in the spectator by arousing and purifying compassion, fear or horror and other emotions “. If instead of being mere spectators of the tragedy, that is, of the theatre, we are capable of becoming protagonists, we will be practicing what is called ‘theatre therapy’ or ‘theatre therapy’.
However, it is necessary to distinguish between one discipline and another to better understand what we are talking about and, thus, get the most out of one of the most daring trends in psychology, but which, nevertheless, enjoys wide acceptance and a great recognition in the sector.
Theater therapy and theater therapy
- On the one hand, theater therapy is one of the most innovative subjects offered in university careers related to psychology, in which this discipline is taken as an intervention therapy in which the protagonists are the theatrical techniques that human beings use. It has been developing for millennia, as theatrical performances have been produced since man was man.
- With this work, and especially in educational or rehabilitation-focused environments, the resolution of conflicting situations is pursued, as well as personal problems through creative resources, which help the patient in the arduous path of self-knowledge.
- On the other hand, and in more relaxed environments, theater therapy can help us powerfully with various problems or disorders in a fun and friendly way, perhaps less stiff than usual psychological therapy.
The successes of theater therapy
- In general, theatrical resources aimed at therapy are aimed at relaxation and introspection, that is, getting to know oneself through simple theatrical techniques, such as the development of various characters that embody the different facets of the human emotionality. So, laughing, crying, getting angry, etc. in an “artificial” way, that part of us that it is so difficult for us to demonstrate or, where appropriate, to control, can reveal to us.
- Theater therapy can be very positive and can achieve great success in the following fields: improvement of self-esteem ; development of social skills, such as public speaking, engaging in conversations fluently, or overcoming shyness; overcoming depressive processes, based on the assessment of one’s own person and the recognition of others; promotion of creativity, insofar as the creation of the characters puts into operation this sometimes so forgotten facet of our lives, silenced on many occasions by routine and lack of motivation; and last, although perhaps most important, teaching ourselves to laugh, even at ourselves, playing and enjoying the game, letting ourselves be carried away by the hidden girl who lives in the depths of our inner life and who is so often ignored.
- In short, it is about becoming aware of ourselves through a fun and different, creative way, without ambiguity and in an environment of absolute freedom. Undoubtedly a good alternative to other more traditional therapies.