Abstract

Thousands of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year however, due to advances in medicine it can be assumed that the vast majority of these people will live for many years after their initial diagnosis, if not in fact, their entire expected lifetimes. The experience of living with and being treated for, a life-threatening illness can be for some people physically and emotionally damaging. In recent years research has begun to recognize the effect that the mind/body connection has in regards to healing. In response to the needs of those living with cancer, therapeutic support groups are beginning to use mind/body techniques such as visualization, yoga, and creative arts more frequently. This research paper examines how dramatherapy's own process of embodiment can facilitate healing in individuals who have completed treatment for cancer by enhancing the communication between their minds and bodies. Jones' three main areas of focus within the embodiment process (potential body, body transformed and social body) serve as a structure through which to examine in what way this mind/body connection may occur