Drama Therapist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Drama Therapist
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Practice Now »What is a Drama Therapist?
A Drama Therapist is a type of counselor who uses drama and performance arts as therapeutic tools to help individuals express themselves, improve their mental wellbeing or overcome personal issues. They typically work with various individuals of all age groups - including children, teens and adults - who are dealing with various forms of mental illness, emotional difficulties or other personal struggles.
Skills
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Empathy and the ability to build rapport with clients
- Creativity and the ability to use drama techniques effectively
- Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage challenging situations
- Knowledge of therapeutic theories and techniques
- Flexibility and adaptability in working with diverse client populations
- Strong observational and analytical skills
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on personal biases and values
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification
- Completion of training, which can take between two to five years depending on the chosen method of study
- Exposure to a mixture of theoretical study and practical experience
- Membership of professional bodies may be mandatory in some areas
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
With a drama therapy degree, you can work as a dramatherapist in various settings such as health and social care, education, and forensic services. You can also choose to have your own private therapy, training, or consultancy practice.
The job description of a drama therapist in the UK involves using various creative techniques such as voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets, or masks to help clients express their emotions and act out situations in a safe environment. They also encourage clients to work together as a group and form individual relationships. Drama therapists work closely with psychologists, social workers, teachers, and other therapy specialists.
To become a drama therapist in the UK, you need to complete an approved full or part-time Masters degree in dramatherapy and then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
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