Drama therapy, as explained by the Berklee College of Music, is an experimental form of treatment which methodologically uses drama and/ or theater techniques to help children work through behavioral problems, process trauma, facilitate personal growth, and achieve other therapeutic goals. To begin drama therapy, a drama therapist will assess a child’s individual needs and then develop a treatment plan that includes tailored approaches to best meet those needs. When drama therapy is used with kids it may entail one or more of the following processes and/ or techniques, provided by Medical News Today:
- Storytelling
- Theater games
- Enactment
- Improvisation
- Role-playing
- Puppetry
- Creative writing exercises
- Guided visualizations
- Creating and performing rituals
A drama therapist may also incorporate other media into the sessions (e.g., music or movement therapy) to address specific issues. Drama therapy can take many forms depending on an adolescent’s nuanced needs, skill and ability levels, interests, and therapeutic goals.
Benefits
This approach is an embodied practice that is active and experiential. It can provide the context for children to explore their feelings, connect with others, achieve catharsis, and/ or problem-solve difficult situations. There are several benefits of drama therapy, some of which include the following, provided by Good Therapy:
- Promotes positive behavioral changes.
- Improves interpersonal relationship skills.
- Hones one’s ability to identify and label one’s own emotions, which increases self-awareness.
- Instills confidence through success and taking pride in achievements.
- Enhances physical and emotional well-being.
- Fosters empathy through prompting the recognition of others’ emotions.
Drama therapy is founded on the belief that everyone has an innate capacity for creative expression, which is a powerful tool that can help young people increase their self-esteem, build resilience, reduce stress, and feel empowered. When young people have the freedom to delve into their inner lives through drama, they can discover hidden parts of themselves, access their emotions more easily, and find new solutions to old problems, all of which can boost self-confidence and promote a healthy self-concept.
Further Information and Support
For most of us, life can be very stressful, leading us to feel emotionally charged, which can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and getting stuck in a cycle of being burdened with negative thoughts. Navigating through the challenges and emotional turmoil of life can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Engage Treatment is a Joint Commission Accredited professional psychological practice. We specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety through community-focused treatment plans that incorporate a carefully selected combination of therapeutic interventions. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary practitioners are devoted to providing the highest quality of care that helps ignite positive change and enables clients to reach optimal health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are happy to answer questions and provide you with any additional information. Feel free to call us at 805-497-0605 or email us at [email protected]. You are also welcomed to get in touch by filling out our contact form. We look forward to connecting and having the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to support you.