Semin Speech Lang 2011; 32(3): 229-242
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1286177
© Thieme Medical Publishers

“Waiting on the Words”: Procedures and Outcomes of a Drama Class for Individuals with Aphasia

Leora R. Cherney1 , 4 , Ann K. Oehring2 , 5 , Keith Whipple6 , Ted Rubenstein3 , 7
  • 1Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • 2Chicago Speech and Language Services, Chicago, Illinois
  • 3Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, Illinois
  • 4Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
  • 5Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
  • 6Drama and Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Institute of Chicago's Institute for Therapy through the Arts, Evanston, Illinois
  • 7Creative Arts Therapy, Music Institute of Chicago's Institute for Therapy through the Arts, Evanston, Illinois
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 September 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Drama therapy offers an authentic medium through which people with aphasia can interact and share their experiences. We describe the rationale and procedures of a drama class, informed by the principles and practices of drama therapy, in which individuals with chronic aphasia conceptualized, wrote, and produced a play addressing their experiences of having, living with, and coping with the effects of aphasia. Sessions were cofacilitated by a speech-language pathologist and a drama therapist. We describe the drama activities and techniques in each of four distinct stages of a drama therapy process through which the group transitioned. We also summarize patient-reported outcomes of a representational group of seven participants. Subscales of the Burden of Stroke Scale and the Communication Confidence Rating Scale for Aphasia were administered before and after participation in the 18-week class. Means, standard deviations, and effect sizes were computed. Results indicated perceived improvements in both communication and mood.

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Leora R CherneyPh.D. CCC-SLP 

Board-certified ANCDS, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

345 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Email: Lcherney@ric.org