Drama therapy may involve the use of puppets.
A drama therapist combines performing arts techniques with psychotherapy to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. Drama therapy dates back to the mid-20th century, and several professional organizations promoting the cause of drama therapy were founded in the 1970s. Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a drama therapist can receive training at various colleges and universities and may also have the opportunity to work with theater therapists to practice their skills.
A drama therapist can help a person deal with stress related to a traumatic experience.
Many different theater arts techniques can be integrated into drama therapy sessions. This includes scripted activities, improvisation, role-playing, puppetry, pantomime, masks, or even working on design and staging. A drama therapist assesses the needs of an individual client to determine what techniques would be most appropriate and how to apply them.
The Drama Therapist can work with groups of all sizes, even couples.
Sometimes a drama therapist may work with a group. Group therapy is often part of treatment programs in institutions such as hospitals, prisons, and mental health centers. People who are not institutionalized can also benefit from group therapy, and their doctors and therapists can recommend these programs. In group therapy, the drama therapist facilitates breakthroughs, helps people deal with trauma, builds trust among group members, and encourages all group members to participate so they can experience personal growth.
Drama therapists often work in groups.
Drama therapists can also work with smaller groups, such as families or couples. Sometimes a drama therapist may be called into a setting such as a classroom or office after a traumatic event to help people process the trauma. The drama therapist can help members of a group feel more comfortable again and offer focused and directed therapy that addresses the trauma that group members have experienced together.
A drama therapist must build trust among group members and encourage all members to participate.
It is also possible to work with a drama therapist one on one. Some patients benefit from the use of drama as a method of expression and may find that they can work toward therapeutic goals more easily with the help of a drama therapist. Even in drama therapy, there are many approaches to treatment, so people who are frustrated by a lack of progression with one therapist may want to consider reaching out to another therapist to see if a new approach might be more effective. It is also important to recognize that drama therapy is not for everyone, and if a drama therapist feels that a patient might be better served by a different therapeutic approach, he or she may make recommendations to other professionals who may be a better fit.