Abstract

This paper outlines an intervention design for a therapeutic theatre program designed to meet the complex needs of adolescent kidney transplant recipients. For young people with chronic illness, the transition from pediatric to adult health care can come at a difficult time. The interaction of developmental, psychological and social aspects of adolescence often impact upon medical follow-up, which in turn presents serious short and long-term consequences for young kidney transplant recipients. In response to these concerns, transition programs are being implemented at children’s hospitals to help bridge the gap. These programs seek to address these complex needs, though most programs are designed from a psychoeducational perspective and do not address deeper psychological, social and developmental issues. The proposed therapeutic theatre program seeks to take this work a step further through a group therapy process that encourages participants to share and make meaning of their experiences. The process will culminate in a performance, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and mastery in the group members.