What is dramatherapy?

 

Dramatherapy ‘has as its main focus the intentional use of the healing aspects of drama and theatre as the therapeutic process. It is a method of working and playing that uses action methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth’ (BADth).

 

Dramatherapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the client's participation in creativity, movement, play, voice-work, dramatic improvisation, enactment and theatrical performance is central. The Dramatherapist uses different forms of intervention  to respond to the specific needs of individuals and groups of clients.

 

The discipline is firmly rooted in knowledge of dramatic techniques and processes and in psycho and socio-therapeutic concepts and practices relevant to understanding the psychotherapeutic needs of a range of clients.

 

It's not acting.

It's becoming you.

 

 

    Aims of Dramatherapy: 

 

•   building self-esteem and confidence

•   exploration of  difficult feelings/issues in a safe and contained environment 

•   developing trust and relationships with others 

•   providing space for creative self-expression 

•   promoting playfulness and working imaginatively  

•   developing appropriate social boundaries and relationships 

•   building social skills

•   connecting physical with emotional feelings 

 

 

   Who is dramatherapy for?

 

•   for people at all stages of life

•   childrern and young people 

•   adults of all age

 

 

   Reasons for referrals:

 

•   depression   

•   anxiety or panic attacks

•   low self-esteem

•   relationship difficulties

•   traumatic experiences

•   self-harming behaviour

•   bereavement

•   identity problems

•   addictions

 

 

 

 

   Dramatherapy in Education 
 
Dramatherapy allows children and young people to express difficult emotions safely using creative distance. This can be achieved through using masks, role play, toys, puppets and stories. These techniques enable children and young people to develop positive social skills, self-esteem and emotional literacy. Dramatherapy can take place on a one to one basis, in groups or family setting.
 
     Reasons for referal

 

• learning disabilities

• behavioral and social needs

• looked after children

• children in need or at risk

• loss and bereavement

• parental divorce and separation

• refugees

• challenging behavior

• withdrawn or isolated children

• building resilience

• reintegrating following exclusion from school