What is Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy is a form of Creative Arts Therapy that uses dramatic activities to enable people to express and work through problems.  The element of pretence that is inherent in theatre allows the client to be able to work on difficult concerns at a safe distance.

Dramatherapy uses the theories and concepts of psychology, for example object relations, transference, projection and group dynamics. It can work within the framework of various
theories of Psychology.

As with any psychotherapeutic relationships, dramatherapy involves the creation of a trusting relationship and a safe space where the clients can feel contained and is able to express him/herself.

Dramatherapy uses various forms of creative expression such as movement/dance, voice, music, storytelling, play, art and acting/role play.

Note:   Dramatherapy is different from Psychodrama

Why Dramatherapy?

* The use of creative expression can help communicate things that may be difficult to put in words.
* Dramatherapy provides a structure in which the clients are able to feel safe within its boundaries.
* Working with one’s imagination can help discover new things about oneself and gain stronger    understanding of oneself.

Who can use Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy can be used to work with people who experience:

* Relationship difficulties
* Low self-esteem and low confidence
* Problems with communications
* Abuse
* Losses and traumas
* Difficulty coping with physical illness and the process of recovery and social skills
* Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, dementia and personality  disorders;
* Learning disabilities
* Any other life stresses

How is Dramatherapy done?

Dramatherapy can be done both individually or in groups. It involves a wide range of techniques enabling it to offer different ways of approaching an issue.

The techniques include:

    * Drama games
    * Movement/dance
    * Improvisation
    * Story making/storytelling
    * Acting/role play/mime
    * Creating characters
    * Puppets
    * Music/voice
    * Object work
    * Art work/drawing

Using the different techniques listed above, the dramatherapist acts as a facilitator, suggesting ways to explore, but allowing and supporting the
individual or group to do so at their own pace.

Note:
Dramatherapy is used to work with people of all ages.  Clients do not have to be physically very active.  The therapist will usually meet with the client/s for one or more session/s to decide with the client if dramatherapy can be beneficial for him/her.

Facilitator:
Vanitha Chandrasegaram
MA Dramatherapy (Hertfordshire, UK)
MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State, USA)
  
Her passion for Psychology and Indian classical dance had inspired her to pursue further training in Dramatherapy in the UK.

In the UK she worked in mental hospitals based in the London area. In Malaysia she has done work in various settings.

She has worked with individuals ranging from ages 3 to 85 with various issues ranging from learning disabilities, mental health problems, abuse, trauma and other life issues.Her work is published in a book in the UK and on national and international professional journals.