Feb 11 2009
What Is Drama Therapy?
- What is Drama Therapy?
The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) defines drama therapy as: ‘focusing on the intentional use of the healing aspects and therapeutic process of drama and theatre; it is a method of working and playing that uses action methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth.’
- Creative Arts Based
- Working towards growth, change and learning
- Working in a safe environment
- Addresses grief, depression anxiety and other difficulties
- Uses group work and role play
- Helps clients to develop imagination and creativity
- Uses a range of methods to bring about healing and positive change
- Working one to one
- Work through feelings and thoughts about the world
- It is none judgemental
Drama therapist’s use;
- various techniques
- Myths, stories, mime or puppetry and masks
- Role play, voice work, storytelling
- Movement and objects without speech
- Work with other professionals like psychologists, social workers, teachers and other therapy specialists.
Qualifications Needed;
Masters approved by the British Association of Drama therapists (BADth), followed by registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Entry Requirements for a Masters in Drama therapy include:
- a degree in a related subject, such as drama or psychology
- practical drama experience
- voluntary or paid experience helping people overcome problems or difficulties.
- Five GCSEs (A-C) plus two A levels (related to drama, psychology and theatre studies)
- The benefits of Drama therapy
- Helps increase clients self awareness
- Offers a creative way for an individual or group to explore and solve personal and social problems.
Encourages exploration, reflection and relationships with others and self. - Offers the opportunity to change by working through different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Allows the opportunity to try different ways of interacting in the world.
Drama therapists work in settings that include
- mental health areas
- education
- child care
- training centres
- services for people with learning disabilities
- prison and probation service
- private sector
Drama therapy assistants
There are opportunities to assist registered drama therapists as an assistant.
Educational programmes:
Drama therapy courses last between 18 months and 3 years depending if you take a part or full time course.
