Bosom Buddies: a practical model of expressive disclosure

A writing and theatre workshop, conducted in northern New Hampshire with 8 posttreatment breast cancer survivors, utilized expressive disclosure in a nonscientific environment.

Through writing, the participants have explored both negative and positive feelings about cancer and its impact on their lives. Through theatre games and rehearsals, the participants have had the opportunity to learn new expressive skills. In performance, they have helped others by telling their own stories.

Participants reported a feeling of transformation and a renewed sense of well-being as a result of the workshop, as well as an ongoing desire to positively affect others with their work.

The facilitators and participants agreed that the results of this work have been transformative for all involved. The facilitators are encouraged by the idea of further practical exploration of these methods. This article is a blueprint for this type of work and an exploration of the scientific background that supports this method as a valid tool to aid in emotional recovery.