Bridge to the Silence—Integrative Dramatherapy with Selective Mutism

Article Information

Creative Arts Educ Ther (2022) 8(2):200–212 DOI: 10.15212/CAET/2022/8/24

Bridge to the Silence—Integrative Dramatherapy with Selective Mutism

Abstract

This article is presented as a clinical case study in research and the arts that explores the journey of a 7-year-old girl with selective mutism, and her growth through an integrative intervention that combined dramatherapy, systemic, behavioral, and attachment-informed approaches. Sessions took place in Shanghai, China. Gorla et al. (2017) [Without words. Different children in different contexts (Trans.). A.G. Editions] and Perednik (2016) [The selective mutism treatment guide: Manuals for parents, teachers, and therapists: Still waters run deep. Oaklands] propose that the significant others of a person with selective mutism can become therapeutic agents of change, and through this lens, the child’s family, peers, and school staff became involved. Through the use of play and the therapeutic relationship and the coming together of specialties and community, it is posited that the client found her voice again, enhancing her relationships and embarking on a journey of lasting change. The dramatherapy-based, multimodal intervention provides an example of clinical practice intended to assist therapists, parents, schools, and practitioners looking to support an individual with selective mutism.

Keywords: selective mutism, dramatherapy, systemic, behavioral, attachment, family, school/education.

摘要

本文作为一项研究和艺术领域的临床案例研究,利用多种艺术手段辅助治疗了一名患有选择性缄默症(SM)的7岁女孩，对于此个案具体是通过结合戏剧疗法、系统、行为和依恋知情方法进行综合干预。Gorla和她的同事(2017)和Perednik(2016)提出，对于选择性缄默症的患者来说,身边熟悉的人可以成为治疗中的一部分。通过这种视角,这位儿童在社会与家庭环境中接触到的老师,同伴或家人可以成为辅助治疗的催化剂。通过使用游戏互动的方式,还有家庭、学校和社区的参与,治疗关系得到提升,治疗效果有显著的提高。患有选择性缄默症的这位儿童“Octavia”重新找回了她的“声音”，并加强了自我对人际关系的处理能力和沟通能力。文章中,以戏剧疗法为基础的多模式干预给基于临床背景下的戏剧疗法提供了一个实例,以此希望能启发家长、治疗师、学校和相关从业者，从而更好的支持选择性缄默症患者。

关键词:选择性缄默症, 戏剧疗法, 系统疗法, 行为疗法, 依恋疗法, 家庭, 学校/教育