Self-development of a future drama therapist interacting with Temiar children: an auto-hermeneutic study

This auto-hermeneutic study explores the self-development of a future drama therapist during engagement with Temiar children in Malaysia. While personal transformation is central in dramatherapy education, little research has examined trainees’ lived experiences. This study addresses that gap by investigating challenges, support factors, empathy, and cultural competence in a multicultural setting. Reflective diaries were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, revealing twelve themes. Challenges included: physical and emotional well-being and language barriers. Support and empowerment factors included: collaboration with Temiars, intentional self-awareness, creative experimentation, resilience and optimism. Three themes – knowledge shift, empathy at risk, and commitment to personal evolution – revealed the development of empathy and tolerance in a multicultural environment. Cultural awareness, uncovering assumptions and blind spots, and engagement with culture are key aspects of developing cultural competence. Findings are relevant to arts therapy students, educators, practitioners, helping professionals working interculturally, and researchers using autobiographical and reflexive methodologies.