The purpose of this study is to investigate the experience of using drama therapy in group programs for members with hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) through practitioners’ perspectives.
This study used qualitative action research as the analytic method. Through semi-structured interviews with six drama therapy practitioners, the study explored the design of the action plan, the implementation process, and the therapeutic factors of drama therapy in serving EB members during the covid-19 epidemic. The findings of this study revealed that: (1) The "physical" combined with "online" group approach can enhance the members’ willingness and possibility to assess their physical and mental state and participate in the group. (2) By combining "physical" and "online" group approaches, we can create a platform that combines "therapeutic depth" and "interpersonal breadth" to achieve emotional support and empathy. (3) During the epidemic, workers flexibly allocate, use, and create activity space and content to expand the limited life experiences of members. (4) The action plan uses "Chinese New Year" as a metaphor to create a transitional space for members to settle down and to organize their life stories through theater activities. (5) The creation and performance of the autobiographical drama allows members to express their repressed emotions and thoughts to find a sense of meaning in their lives, and also allows the audience to build an understanding and appreciation of the non-single pathological perspective of EB members.