Digitized Dramatherapy as a Mental Health Service During COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Sri Lanka

COVID-19 pandemic situation compelled dramatherapists to identify a novel mode of practicing dramatherapy, since social distancing was a strict policy, in Sri Lanka. To minimize the risk of coronavirus threat, both the dramatherapist and the client had to remove themselves from the conventional dramatherapy room, and resort to a safe space in virtual reality, to conduct therapy. The alternative means for the practice were digital platforms, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Imo, and Botim. This study aimed to answer the following research question: How effective is dramatherapy, as a digitized practice, during COVID-19 period, in Sri Lanka? As a convenient sample, a number of five clients who received dramatherapy assistance through digital platforms were selected for this study. They presented mental health difficulties related to work stress, anger, separation anxiety, fear of losing the job, and anxiety attacks. Their consent was obtained to utilize data arising from post-intervention semi-structured interviews, to answer the research question. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, and four super-ordinate themes emerged in the analysis, namely, digital containment, digital platform for interaction, creativity in a digital space, and recovery of an independent agent. During the COVID-19 period, the client could utilize a digital platform as a meeting place with the dramatherapist, and form interaction to enhance social engagement. Digital platforms supported space for client’s creativity, improving self-confidence, encouraging self-expression, and motivating towards creative resolution of emotional difficulties. Ethical concerns emerged, as digital platforms do not guarantee the security of data and privacy of the clients. Despite these limitations, digitizing the practice of dramatherapy was beneficial for the clients to emerge from their psychological and emotional difficulties, during the COVID-19 period.