Dramatherapy online: Here,there,and Black everywhere

Abstract

This article highlights the necessary narratives and voice of a Black male dramatherapist working with unaccompanied/separated children and adolescents accessing dramatherapy online as a viable extension of dramatherapy practice. It explores the metaphor of a cyborg in relation to the dramatherapist, examining how feelings of distance may be magnified through the screen, yet offer the opportunity to co-create new connections and relationships. Holding dramatherapy sessions online challenges boundaries and space-holding, as online therapy does not include a shared physical room or container in the same way as traditional place-based dramatherapy. Remote access to therapy is enabled by technology when access to shared physical spaces is compromised. This research uses a phenomenological and naturalist retrospective analysis of voice, language and agency and aims to cultivate a philosophical repertoire to conceptualise and identify themes present in my experience of online dramatherapy.