Drama therapy is particularly helpful for those with some verbal and physical ability who have emotional or behavioural difficulties, trauma, anxiety or additional mental health needs. It is suitable for individuals or groups – of all ages and abilities.
It can be highly effective in helping those with autism in sociability and self-expression and for assisting people living with dementia to live well through exploring complex emotions and reminiscing through story and playful engagement.
Drama therapists are trained to Masters degree level and are registered by the Health Professions Council, with full enhanced DBS checks. Therapists may also have additional training including: BSL, Attachment, Systemic, Mental Health, VIG, Counselling, Consultancy, Risk Assessment and Fundraising.
Cambridgeshire Music also offer drama therapy placements to first and second year Masters students. The students are supervised by experienced supervisors within our team and Anglia Ruskin University to ensure their work is safe and professional, and that the clients and students are fully supported throughout their placement.
1. Drama therapy originated through Dr. Jacob L. Moreno's development of Psychodrama as an action-based form of psychoanalysis.
2. An interesting way to understand drama therapy is to think of it as a three-fold. First a long history of drama as a healing force with ancient roots in the healing rituals and dramas of various societies. Secondly, in the early twentieth century, hospital theatre and the work of Moreno, Evreinov, and Iljine, marked a new attitude towards the relationship between therapy and theatre that provided a foundation for the emergence of drama therapy later in the century. Finally, influenced by experimental approaches to theatre, the advent and popularization of improvisational theatre, group dynamics, role playing and psychology in the 1960s, drama therapy emerged as a creative arts therapy in the 1970s.
3. People of all ages can benefit from drama therapy.
4. It is often used when emotional trauma is too significant and difficult to manage head on.
5. You don’t need to have any experience or knowledge of drama or acting to take part and benefit.
To learn more about drama therapy please contact us or visit the British Association of Drama Therapy badth.org.uk
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