Abstract

The relationship between caregivers and their children with psychiatric diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is often characterized by struggle. This case review describes the eight-week therapeutic process of four child-caregiver dyads who explored creative ways of connecting with each other through movement and dramatic play. Analysis of the process revealed several common themes that movement-based drama therapy exercises and rituals were well suited to address. Through embodied drama-based exercises, the dyads worked on sharing eye contact and enjoying being in close proximity to each other, sustaining cooperation, developing kinaesthetic attunement to each other, and their ability to share imaginative play. The value of ritual and repetition with a child-caregiver dyadic group is discussed, along with recommendations on how to facilitate closeness, cooperation and play between the caregivers and children.