NADTA 2024 Conference

Embodied supervision integrates the body's wisdom into the supervisory process, enhancing the reflective capacities and therapeutic presence of drama therapists. This workshop delves into the application of embodied practices across various supervision settings: individual, group, and self-directed. Grounded in the principles of Humanistic and Integrative Five Phase Model theories (Emunah, 1994; Pendzik, 2016), this session offers practical approaches for incorporating body-oriented techniques to support supervisors and supervisees in deepening their understanding of client dynamics and their own therapeutic processes. The workshop will demonstrate how somatic cues can guide reflective practice and decision-making, fostering a more intuitive and responsive therapeutic approach (Johnson, 2009).Participants will engage in experiential learning through role-taking, improvisation, guided reflection, and movement exercises, gaining skills to apply these methods in their professional settings. These activities are designed to enhance sensitivity to non-verbal cues and embodied experiences, which are crucial in drama therapy. By focusing on the somatic aspects of supervision, attendees will learn to better navigate the complexities of therapeutic relationships and self-care strategies, ultimately leading to improved insight and outcomes for clients and therapists alike. This workshop is particularly relevant as it addresses the need for holistic supervision practices that consider both mental and physical dimensions of the therapeutic encounter (Totton, 2005).