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 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 social care, prisons and in the voluntary sector.
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.
Dramatherapists are registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) having undertaken a Masters level training with an approved course at a university. Many are trained supervisors and are often employed to offer supervision to community artists employed in arts in health and wellbeing roles.