The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine
The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine
Dramatherapy with migrant and refugee populations: thoughts and findings from expert-group workshops
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Background: Dramatherapy has shown promise in supporting the mental health of migrant and refugee populations. Our recent systematic review reported positive effects for adults and children, including strengthened identity, enhanced emotional expression and regulation, and increased social connection (Keiller et al., 2025). However, systematic reviews rely solely on published interventions, and in dramatherapy the evidence base remains small, funding limited, and many clinicians lack time or support to document their work. As a result, existing literature may not fully reflect clinical practice. A more robust understanding therefore requires the direct involvement of practising clinicians.
Objectives: We aimed to explore gaps in dramatherapy research focused on migrant and/or refugee populations. Specifically, we sought to examine whether areas identified in our previous systematic review reflect clinical practice, and whether additional nuances or knowledge gaps emerge.
Methods: We conducted two expert workshops in March 2025 with ten dramatherapists experienced in working with migrant and/or refugee groups. Each workshop involved structured prompts and open discussion to elicit reflections on practice, methodological considerations and challenges encountered in the field. Transcripts were reviewed to identify key themes and areas of convergence across both workshops.
Results: Four overarching themes were identified: the offering of dramatherapy; preferred methods; challenges and strategies related to language; and the politically, socially and culturally engaged nature of this work.
Conclusion: Dramatherapy with migrant and refugee groups is a significant and expanding area. Engaging clinicians in knowledge production is essential to strengthen this developing evidence base and improve practice.



