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What does a Drama Therapist do?
Dramatherapy is a form of Psychotherapy. Dramatherapists are both clinicians and artists that draw on their knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium for psychological therapy that may include drama, story-making, music, movement, and art; to work with any issue that has presented itself.
Clients are able to explore a wide variety of different issues and needs from autism and dementia to physical/sexual abuse and mental illness in an indirect way leading to psychological, emotional and social changes.
Dramatherapists work with their clients using a very wide range of dramatic techniques in verbal and non-verbal ways. Though vocalisation, storymaking and talk are integral parts of dramatherapy, the practice does not necessarily rely on spoken language alone to resolve what a pupil, client, or patient may wish to address, explore or to seek support with. Embodiment and movement are also vital in our practice. Dramatherapists work therapeutically with a diverse range of individuals, groups and organisations who experience significant difficulties. Many dramatherapists are also independent artists and/or researchers, who specialise in areas that allow them to develop a unique focus.
Where do Drama Therapists work?
Dramatherapists often have a background in theatre, health, or education and can be found in many varying settings such as:
- Schools
- mental health care
- general health and social care
- prisons
- voluntary sector
How to become a Drama Therapist?
Work experience
If you are interested in a career in drama therapy and want to try some work experience in drama therapy you can contact your local NHS Trust, voluntary or private organisations and they may be able to facilitate experience for you.
University route
University courses to study Drama Therapy are at a postgraduate level.
You can find a full list of universities offering Drama therapy courses here:BADth :: Becoming a Dramatherapist
Apprenticeship route
There is not currently a route to become a drama therapist through an apprenticeship.
How to become a Drama Therapy Assistant/Support Worker?
Drama therapy assistants/support workers positions are advertised locally through recruiting organisations-you will need to look at your local organisations vacancies in order to become an assistant/support worker, you could call them or look at their website.
Support workers assisting drama therapists are often called creative therapy support workers. You can find out more about the role here Creative therapy support roles | Health Careers
