Text-based drama therapy: The state of the field in South Africa

This article introduces the emergent field of text-based drama therapy (TbDT), with specific reference to the applicability of the method in the Global South. TbDT is situated within the broader field of online therapy, but is itself a distinct method that requires adjustments to the way the therapist builds the therapeutic alliance. The article suggests that TbDT therapists should be trained to understand the differences in control, clarity, and creativity that the method requires, as well as emphasising that TbDT is still an embodied and creative form of drama therapy. TbDT is suggested as a highly accessible form of therapy that is able to cut across language and cultural differences through the creation of a third language of connection.

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Publication Details

Journal
South African Journal of Arts Therapies
Published
2026-02-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.36615/vnn04e08
Primary Topic
Art Therapy and Mental Health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Text-based drama therapy: The state of the field in South Africa

Monique Alexandra Hill
South African Journal of Arts Therapies
Art Therapy and Mental Health
article

Text-based drama therapy: The state of the field in South Africa

Monique Alexandra Hill
article en

Abstract

This article introduces the emergent field of text-based drama therapy (TbDT), with specific reference to the applicability of the method in the Global South. TbDT is situated within the broader field of online therapy, but is itself a distinct method that requires adjustments to the way the therapist builds the therapeutic alliance. The article suggests that TbDT therapists should be trained to understand the differences in control, clarity, and creativity that the method requires, as well as emphasising that TbDT is still an embodied and creative form of drama therapy. TbDT is suggested as a highly accessible form of therapy that is able to cut across language and cultural differences through the creation of a third language of connection.

South African Journal of Arts TherapiesVol. 3(2)
University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
Art Therapy and Mental Health
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