Richard Hougham

Bio: Richard Hougham is an academic researcher from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. The author has contributed to research in topics: Drama therapy & Performative utterance. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 20 citations. Previous affiliations of Richard Hougham include University of London.

Numinosity, symbol and ritual in the sesame approach

Abstract: Hermes, god Of crossed sticks, Crossed existence, protect these feet I offer. Imagination is the wonder of the real, and I am sore afflicted with the devil's troubles, the two's, of this half-life, this twilight. Robert Creeley ‘Prayer to Hermes’ (1980:60) ‘Life is too rational, there is no symbolic experience in which I am something else, in which I am fulfilling my role, my role as one of the actors in the divine drama of life.’ Jung CW 18 pp628

The matrix, group processes and dramatherapy

Abstract: There is a paucity of published work on how group process informs the teaching and practice of dramatherapy. This article investigates ideas on groups and group therapy from the fields of analytical psychology and group analysis, and goes on to develop these in the context and practice of dramatherapy. First, the phenomenon of regression in groups from Foulkesian and Jungian perspectives is addressed, highlighting contrasting theories on the potential and pitfalls of group experience. The idea of the ‘matrix’ as a multi-layered intersubjective field in the group (Foulkes) and/or the entirety of the unconscious (Jung) is explored, offering a background for discussion on the nature of interpersonal and intrapsychic connections. Sesame drama and movement therapy is referred to as an approach which introduces cultural symbols through fairy tale and myth, and offers the chance to explore these through dramatherapy methods. The moment when a group creates a ‘montage’ from images from a story offers an example of a ‘constellation’ of the group matrix, which can lead to different modes of expression. The article finishes by returning to broader questions of group therapy as set out by Jung, and examining these in light of the ritual enactment of myth.

The Stone Soup: Towards a Mythological Intelligence

Abstract: The chapter introduces basic tenets of the Sesame approach to drama and movement therapy, with a particular focus on working with symbolic image and the idea of mythological intelligence The symbolic image is central to many of the arts therapies but is introduced, worked with and reflected on in a variety of ways The theoretical scope in this area is broad, which brings about a diversity of educational and clinical practice This chapter explores the in the ways in which we relate to and reflect on the symbolic material which arises from practice and how we might contextualize it within a mythological frame ECArTE has established itself as the leading producer of publications on European arts therapy developments Building on its previous three-volume publication: Arts - Therapies - Communication, and its more recent publication European Arts Therapy, Grouping the Vision - to advance therapy and practice, this book is intended for academics, practitioners, educationalists, health professionals and those working in the community services who are interested in current debates, recent development in research, education and practice in Europe

‘Rehearsing the unrehearsed’: reflections on the concept of presence in dramatherapy and performance training

Abstract: The phenomenon of therapeutic presence is notoriously difficult to articulate and may benefit from dialogue with the discipline of performance studies. This paper discusses how qualities of therapeutic presence can be contextualised as performative in nature. Qualities of presence in both the therapist and the performer are discussed, with specific reference to Eugenio Barba and the cultivation of presence in training both the actor and the therapist. The author then reflects on the piece ‘The Artist is Present’ by Marina Abramovic for its capacity to explore presence and intimacy within a performance piece.

Track the Deer, Catch it and Then Let it Go:

Abstract: The following paper is based on research into a dramatic model of group supervision that was also informed by ideas from Jungian psychology. Postgraduate dramatherapy students were given the opportunity to reflect, embody and dramatise what they considered to be ‘significant moments’ from their placement practice over a period of ten weeks. A semi-structured interview was then carried out with each of the nine participants. Analysis of their responses identified two emerging themes −1) a diversity of perspectives on the same session, where students who participated in the same work had different experiences and 2) working with the drama and the body in supervision offered the chance to reconnect with and investigate body-based experiences from practice. Through continuing to use the art form of drama in supervision (in particular role-playing the client), it seemed that qualities and nuances of the session and the therapeutic relationship could be explored. In particular, some of the unconscious ...

The application of ancient Greek myth and music in personal, professional and transpersonal development

Abstract: iii

Research into the core processes of drama therapy : Vignettes and conversations

Abstract: This article describes research undertaken to examine drama therapists’ use of the concept of “core processes” [Jones, P. (1996). Drama as therapy: Theatre as living . London, England: Routledge] to analyse change within their clinical practice. The research was based in qualitative, narrative approaches to in-depth analysis of vignettes provided by drama therapists. The method involved the use of the Internet through aMSN messenger. The article defines the research vignette, the processes used to analyse vignettes and the use of aMSN messenger, placing the research project as a whole, and each of these elements within a context of research literature. It present samples from the findings and reviews the use of vignettes and research conversation. The results show how the research approach identified how the core processes were seen by therapists in their understanding of change within their work. It reveals discoveries made by the drama therapists about the core processes of embodiment, role, distancing and witnessing through their vignettes and analysis of change within their practice.

The circle in dance movement therapy: A literature review

Abstract: The circle represents a powerful symbol with perceived characteristics of totality, wholeness and completeness. Forming a circle is used frequently in Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), emerging on several occasions during a DMT session, especially when working with the model which originated with Marian Chace. The therapeutic factors of the circle formation are fascinating but are rarely documented. This article explores the circle as a symbol and documents the ways in which DMT works with groups, by comparing the essential elements of circle DMT with group therapeutic factors. It reviews the pertinent literature on the subject and summarizes three basic elements of working within a circle, namely, containment and holding, multi-mirroring, and physical contact through the holding of hands.

Honouring the life stage of the Crone: self-revelatory performance as rite of passage

Abstract: A research report submitted Welma de Beer, student number 1296294, to Drama for Life, Wits School of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirement of a Master of Arts in drama therapy degree by course work and research report.