Unknown2025-11-042024https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/14487Chronic pain refers to persistent discomfort that lasts for an extended period of time, typically beyond three months, and which often has no obvious underlying injury. Chronic pain not only burdens the body but also inflicts substantial psychological strain, that can extend to evoke depression and anxiety. The absence of an obvious underlying injury may generate a societal stigma around chronic pain that compounds the mental health challenges, often leaving individuals feeling misunderstood and isolated. Current medical treatment of chronic pain often relies heavily on opioid medications, which can lead to dependency, tolerance, and potentially dangerous side effects. Holistic approaches and alternative therapies are not always readily accessible or prioritized. New accessible methods to treat chronic pain are urgently required. The overall aim of this project is to explore the link between mind and body in chronic pain treatment using dramatherapy. Additionally, how integrating dramatherapy as part of a 'holistic' approach affects therapeutic aims and potential has been examined. The literature on chronic pain, psychological processes, trauma, and dramatherapy interventions to inform therapeutic practice has been reviewed. A case study has been explored through clinical vignettes and analysis. Three major themes emerge that underlie the potential successful use of dramatherapy in chronic pain:- (1) Establishing client safety in a therapeutic alliance is critical to explore unconscious shamed aspects of self and to encourage a healthful relationship with pain and the body. (2) Character projection can be effective in generating self-compassion in acknowledging the grief generated by chronic pain. (3) Holistic approaches offer containment and facilitate connecting emotional life with the body. Together, these findings support the use of dramatherapy to support client’s dysregulated mind and body in chronic pain. While not immediately alleviating the pain, dramatherapy may nonetheless provide physical, emotional, and psychological support for well-being and merits further investigation.enThesis