Abby Michel, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Provisional Registered Drama Therapist

What is Drama Therapy? Drama therapy (noun) ~ a type of psychotherapy that uses dramatic and theatrical techniques to achieve therapeutic goals. The beauty of drama therapy is that it is flexible, custom-tailored to each client, and works in a creative way that often stimulates more playfulness and curiosity around difficult chapters in our personal stories. How Does Drama Therapy Work? Drama therapy uses play, embodiment, projection, role, story, metaphor, empathy, distancing, witnessing, performance, and improvisation to help people make meaningful change. A drama therapist first assesses a client's needs and then considers approaches that might best meet those needs. Drama therapy can take many forms depending on individual and group needs, skill and ability levels, interests, and therapeutic goals. Processes and techniques may include improvisations, theater games, storytelling, and enactment. Many drama therapists make use of text, performance, or ritual to enrich the therapeutic and creative process. The theoretical foundation of drama therapy lies in drama, theater, psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology, play, and interactive and creative processes.