Drama Therapy

Drama therapy uses elements of theatre to create an empowering and dynamic process of healing. Clients are offered the opportunity to work spontaneously, both verbally and non-verbally with a variety of techniques and exercises.

This way of working uses movement, body based explorations, story, myth, film, music and techniques which respond to the notion of empathy or ‘as if’ in the form of embodiment via role play. Role play, narrative, stage work, movement, projective work through objects, the body, puppetry and script writing may be used individually or in groups to help foster confidence, collaboration and a sense of agency.

The focus of the work is placed on supporting the psychological states of the clients and exploring together the inter-relational dynamics of ‘self’ and ‘other’. Dramatherapy can be offered as both an individual and group intervention.

Children, young people and adults may discover new possibilities, not defined by past experience, as they rehearse alternative choices and behaviour through the use of drama in a therapeutic setting.

The safety of relationship with the therapist and the power of dramatherapy is very effective in increasing helping to develop empathy, increase a deeper sense of self-worth & self-esteem, building resilience and exploring difficult issues that affect their daily lives.

Developing a more positive relationship one has with oneself enables the client to have more meaningful relationships beyond the therapy.

Much of our emotional pain is held in the body. Focus is placed with the physical body, the outside of the person (inter-personal) and its relationship with the internal world (intra-psychic) and what may be hidden away as a result of emotional pain, trauma and difficulty. Many children and adults who experience persistent difficulties with their behaviour have damaged and absent play experiences. Playing, using a variety of dramatic methods including ball games, role play and story-based exploration is an important part of this work. Following a session clients may need to process their experiences further and may need some help and support from friends and family.

Drama therapy helps to bring change into action and offers children and young people a new way of interacting with the world. It moves beyond words into physical experience and is effective in aiding recovery from trauma and the development of resilience.

Other Therapeutic Specialities