Dramatherapy
What is Dramatherapy?
Dramatherapy is a Creative Arts Therapy that uses the potential of drama to facilitate growth, creativity, imagination, learning, insight and healing.
Sometimes people can find it too difficult to talk about their feelings. Problems may seem too big to be able to discuss them with anyone in a coherent manner. Some people are unable to express their emotions in a vocal way.
Dramatherapy enables clients to express and work through problems they may be encountering or to maintain well-being and health in many different ways. Personal issues can be worked through using stories, role play, movement, sound, voice, symbolism and ritual.
Dramatherapy provides a safe setting in which the client can explore, express and work through their own feelings and emotions. It can help: the process of emotional growth; improve self image and self confidence; develop social skills.
Dramatherapists work in a variety of settings. It can be applied as a one to one therapy or as group therapy.
Dramatherapy for children/adolescents
Play is an important aspect of Dramatherapy with children. It is the child's natural medium of self-expression and Dramatherapy provides a safe space for the child to 'play out' his or her feelings and difficulties.
Working creatively with adolescents and young adults is a successful method for those who find talk only therapies difficult. Dramatherapy allows them the space to explore difficulties using creative methods alongside talking.
Dramatherapy can meet a range of needs such a: children/young people: who are withdrawn, anxious or isolated; with learning disabilities; who have become antisocial or disruptive; who have suffered a loss or bereavement; with difficult family circumstances; with a sensory or physical disability.
Through creative interventions the client can find a way to express what they need and find the strength to cope and change.
Some of the methods used in Dramatherapy with children are:
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Drama games
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Storytelling
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Embodiment play (movement, sensory play)
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Projective play ( objects and small toys are used to play out feelings)
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Role play
Theraplay®
Theraplay® is a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others and joyful engagement.
It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical and fun.
Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagements, Nurture and Challenge.
Theraplay sessions create an active, emotional connection between the child and parent or caregiver, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding.
For more information on Theraplay® go to: