Digital storymaking: Dramatherapy with young people online

Abstract

The Internet has become thoroughly embedded into most aspects of modern life, and no one is more plugged-in than the youngest generations. With the aim of utilising the omnipresence of the digital space to therapeutic ends, this article examines the application of online storymaking interventions with adolescents. The young people discussed are quite isolated and high-need; they have self-excluded from mainstream school and are now pursuing education in an alternative online provision, where they also have access to therapy. Following an overview of the current literature on web-based therapies, this article offers two illustrative case studies in which a story-based dramatherapy intervention was delivered online. This will include an evaluation of the therapeutic work from the case studies using the BASIC Ph assessment method, as well as a broader discussion on the experience of working as a therapist online.