The drama therapy core process coding system: A transtheoretical capturing of drama therapy processes

Over the past decade, several initiatives have been launched to increase empirical research in the field of drama therapy. This article presents the Drama Therapy Core Process Coding System (DT-CPCS), developed by the North American Drama Therapy Association’s Core Processes Research Subcommittee with the aim to operationalize and observe core processes central to drama therapy. This article outlines the DT-CPCS which was developed through a multi-phase, 2.5-year research process involving analyzing videos of sessions using several drama therapy approaches and client populations. The resulting coding system reflects notable changes from previous conceptualizations of the drama therapy core processes. Specifically, the DT-CPCS identifies engagement with dramatic reality as the principal core process. This core process occurs in two distinct forms, liminal and projective, and is experienced across five states within the dramatic reality: active, active/reflective, active/receptive, reflective, and receptive. The DT-CPCS also allows for the identification of five observable core processes: dramatic embodiment, dramatic play, witnessing, reflection in dramatic reality, and reflection on dramatic reality. Two previously conceptualized core processes, distancing and multidimensional relationship, were also found to be not observably distinct and were integrated into the principal core process of engagement with dramatic reality. The DT-CPCS offers standardized language and a coding structure that supports research, training, and supervision, with the potential to link drama therapy techniques to clinical outcomes. Implications for further empirical investigation and development of future quality measures are discussed. • Introduces the Drama Therapy Core Process Coding System (DT-CPCS). • Created to define observable core processes in drama therapy practice. • DT-CPCS identifies engagement with dramatic reality as the principal core process. • Provides a shared coding language for research, training, and supervision.