Supervisors info:
Αγάπη Κανδυλάκη, Καθηγήτρια Κοινωνικής Εργασίας, Τμήμα Κοινωνικής Διοίκησης και Πολιτικής Επιστήμης, Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης
Summary:
This thesis explores the contribution of the theatrical method of the Theatre of the Oppressed (TOTO) to mental health promotion, as well as its possibilities for therapeutic use by mental health counselors. Given that the data in the field is limited, a qualitative methodological approach was followed. The collection of the research material was achieved through in-depth interviews, processed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method.
The interview participants consisted of six members of the Activist Group of TOTO from Athens, Greece. The participants were asked about their beliefs, attitudes, and feelings about their experiences with the Theatre of the Oppressed, its effects on both a personal and collective level, and possible applications of TOTO in various fields. According to the results: a) the group's basic encouragement principles are consistent with the prerequisites for achieving therapeutic change within a counseling relationship; b) the participants' beliefs and feelings reflect a positive self-image and attitude towards life, reinforced by their involvement in the method; finally, c) the participants expressed the wish to use the Theatre of the Oppressed for the empowerment and the treatment of individuals coming from vulnerable social groups.
Keywords: Theatre of the Oppressed, counseling, expressive art therapies, mental health, vulnerable groups, interpretative phenomenological analysis
Keywords:
Theatre of the Oppressed, counseling, expressive art therapies, mental health, vulnerable groups, interpretative phenomenological analysis
