Drama Therapy is a versatile modality which includes clinical training in counselling skills and a rigorous hands-on practicum component as well. While it is possible to run recreational workshops inspired by Drama Therapy techniques and principles, it’s important to note that professionally credentialed Drama Therapists are fully trained mental health and wellness practitioners. If you have ever wondered to yourself, I wonder if Drama Therapy might help? – read on.

Drama Therapy is well-defined in this article below: “What to Know about Drama Therapy” by Rudlin, 2023

Drama Therapy can be used alongside or in conjunction with other creative arts therapies. These include Poetry & Biblio Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance/ Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Play Therapy techniques and principles and within the Expressive Arts Therapies Continuum.

The practice and principles of Drama Therapy are influenced by Psychodrama and Psychodynamic ‘principles & practice’ although the practice of psychotherapy is regulated differently (globally and provincially).

This little video compares Drama Therapists to Psychotherapists (in the United Kingdom context).

Currently, in Quebec, the practice of Psychotherapy does not extend to Drama Therapy or other types of creative arts therapies on it’s own merit. In Quebec however, those having a Masters level Drama Therapy degree are eligible to apply to be Certified Canadian Counsellors and offer services under the N.D. title in Naturopathy in Quebec.

Drama Therapy techniques are further influenced by experimental forms of theatre, such as ‘playback theatre’, ‘theatre of the oppressed’, ‘forum theatre and legislative theatre’ the practice of which can lead to social justice, societal awareness of issues facing communities and even changes to policy.

In either case, Drama Therapy is not the same as a Drama class. In light of a recent infographic I’ve seen making the rounds sharing the differences between Art Therapy and an Art Class I present to you:

The difference between Drama Therapy and a Drama Class …

Created by Venus Lukic, Drama Therapist

What IS the definition of Drama Therapy?

“Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is an embodied practice that is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced.”

from https://www.nadta.org/what-is-drama-therapy 

There you have it. The first blog post.