Aesthetic distance: Conceptualization and practical use

Drama therapy is an experiential psychotherapy method utilizing theatrical elements to facilitate psychological growth and change. “Aesthetic distance,” a core concept in drama therapy, refers to the midpoint between cognitive detachment and emotional over-engagement, allowing individuals to simultaneously think about and feel their experiences. This balance enables people to experience a situation both from within and as an external observer, integrating emotional and cognitive processes. This qualitative study explored the conceptualization and application of aesthetic distance by conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 experienced drama therapists and psychodramatists. Deductive data analysis revealed five themes: (a) aesthetic distance is a multilayered, multidimensional term; (b) The assessment of different states of aesthetic distance can be done via various expressions; (c) there are different avenues to reach aesthetic distance; (d) being in aesthetic distance may enable clients to access sensitive content and experience transformation; and (e) The therapist's own engagement with the state of aesthetic distance is an important factor in the therapeutic process. Based on these findings, we developed an integrative model encapsulating the use of aesthetic distance in therapy, including its role in assessment, intervention planning, as a catalyst for change, and as a therapeutic outcome. The model also highlights the therapist's pivotal role in cultivating aesthetic distance and its impact on both therapist and client. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of aesthetic distance as a cognitive-emotional construct, offering insights that can inform and enhance clinical practice in drama therapy and related fields.