Dramatherapy

*DRAMA

Dramatherapy

What is Dramatherapy?

The British Association of dramatherapists (BADth), the professional organization for dramatherapists in the United Kingdom, established in 1977, describes dramatherapy as ‘a form of psychological therapy in which all of the performance arts are utilised within the therapeutic relationship. Dramatherapists are both artists and clinicians and draw on their training in theatre / drama and therapy to create methods to engage clients in effecting psychological, emotional and social changes. The therapy gives equal validity to body and mind within the dramatic context; stories, myths, play texts, puppetry, masks and improvisation are examples of the range of artistic interventions a drama therapist may employ. These will enable the client to explore difficult and painful life experiences through an indirect approach.’

*HOW

How can it help?

BADth explains: ‘Dramatherapy can be undertaken with others who share similar issues in small groups, or on a one-to-one basis with individuals, within organisations and institutions. Dramatherapy is a contained, active, collaborative, process of discovery and change whereby the therapist supports clients by actively listening, and responding with creative invitations.’

Dramatherapists work with creative activities, embodied experiences, and theatre practices to help their clients re-imagine, work-through and make changes in their lives.

Creative methods used in Creative Therapeutic Writing

Storytelling
Using toys to tell stories
Sculpting objects using our own bodies and others in the group
Games
Play acting
Improvisation
Role-playing
Singing and performing
Puppetry, mask work and art work
Guided visualizations

I know with certainty that if you have not endured narcissistic relationship abuse you will not, no matter how deep your empathetic intentions, be able to understand what it is to stand in the shoes of a woman and mother who has. Sarah knows.

S.S.

During the group workshops, I saw myself and versions of myself in every woman in the room. We are, all of us, resilient because we are mothers. We persist because we are mothers. We cried and we laughed, and we grew.

T.H.

Sarah holds us with discernment, a vast knowledge, kindness, acceptance, non-judgment, profound hope and joy and the unwavering belief that life can be better for all of us. I am immensely appreciative of Sarah’s work, and I am so looking forward to completing the rest of the journey.

N.B.

Sitting in the discomfort of healing is challenging, and holding newly learned boundaries is hard for me. It is comforting and grounding to be able to go back and read excerpts from the book again.

J.F.

A narcissistic relationship has profoundly impacted who I am. Before this program, I would not have been able to verbalise, explain or take ownership of this fact. I arrived tired and very vulnerable. From the first day, I felt seen and understood in a way that was so nourishing and validating.

G.G.