“Exploring the denied, the terrifying, the distressing, the locked away. Finding powerful solutions to debilitating situations. Discovering creative ways to resolve trauma and emerging from shut down emotions stronger and more at peace with yourself and life.”
What is Drama Therapy?
Drama therapy is a non-threatening, therapeutic technique intended to aid self discovery, exploration and understanding of "self" and others through vocal and curative means. It is a paramedical profession closely linked to psychodrama and psychotherapy.
Drama therapy entails the use of drama, games, role play, counselling, discussion, improvisation, masks, story-telling, music and movement. The focus is not on the aesthetic merits of the artwork, but on the therapeutic process, that is, clients' involvement in the work. It's a symbolic language and provides access to catharsis, unacknowledged feelings and means of integrating them into the personality.
"Difficult", or "unacceptable" feelings can be expressed in a safe, non-threatening way. It can be easier for a person to relate to a therapist through an art form which, as a personal statement, can provide a focus for discussion and self-evaluation.
Drama therapy can build up the strengths and reserves of clients so they can raise their self-esteem and liberate their creative potential.
Who does it help?
The spectrum of client needs is wide. Drama therapy can assist in many cases where the quality of life is impaired whether by mental, emotional or social disturbance or deprivation.
Mental illness, physical disablement, learning difficulties, limited communications, visual and/or hearing impairment, problems associated with stress, anger management, conflict resolution, bereavement, HIV/AIDS, emotional and behavioural difficulties, marital and family difficulties… all and more may be referred for drama therapy.
Most drama therapists work with small groups, but one-to-one treatment is sometimes more appropriate. Within an institution or organisation, drama therapists can make a valuable contribution to staff training, supervision or on-going group work.
Drama therapy is about enhancing the personal potency of the individual. As with all therapies, sessions are treated with great respect and confidentiality.
What are the aims?
Cognitive aims: Looking for understanding and insight
Effective aims: Concerning values and feelings
Aesthetic aims: Concerned with sensation, form and appreciation
Psychomotor aims: Concerning body image and fluency of movement
Therapeutic aims: Concerning the development of healthy functions and a change in behaviour or consciousness
HOW DOES IT HELP?
Dreams and creative expression are seen as ways in which the unconscious can be made to manifest. The focus is on unconscious and latent material that is preventing individuals from healthy emotional functioning.
Drama therapy really comes into its own when working with people who are unable to communicate effectively due to the trauma they have experienced. Creative techniques provide the safety necessary for fully explaining and releasing the pain within. Abused children often cannot access the words to share their experiences because of guilt, fear and complete confusion. In these cases, creative play, incorporating mask making, story-telling and puppets, can open the door to their inner world in a safe, fun, non-threatening, child-appropriate way.
Drama therapy encourages spontaneous self-expression and, when "words are not enough", it allows us to express, explore, understand and accept ourselves in a non-threatening, fun-creative way.
Drama therapy is a useful methodology when working with people who need basic coping skills on a day to day level. It is useful for conflict resolution, anger management, self-empowerment, self-esteem, coping strategies, and depression. It simplifies and makes accessible the complexities of the personality so people have the tools necessary to cope more effectively with their lives, and is a useful way to explore, understand and come to terms with yourself. Old self-limiting behaviours can be changed as it is an exciting way for potential to be realised. Drama therapy is a safe way to explore who you are and how to best be who you want to be.