Theater therapists combine performing arts techniques with psychotherapy to help clients achieve therapeutic goals. They can work with individuals, groups, families, and even in institutions such as hospitals and mental health facilities. Different performing arts techniques can be integrated into drama therapy sessions, and theater therapists assess an individual client’s needs to determine which techniques would be most appropriate.
A theater therapist combines performing arts techniques with psychotherapy to help clients achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy dates back to the mid-20th century and several professional organizations that further the cause of drama therapy were founded in the 1970’s. People interested in pursuing careers as drama therapists can receive training at various colleges and universities and can also have the opportunity to work with theater therapists to practice their skills.
Many different performing arts techniques can be integrated into drama therapy sessions. This includes scripted activities, improvisation, staging, puppetry, pantomime, masquerading, or even work on scene design and staging. A theater therapist assesses an individual client’s needs to determine which techniques would be most appropriate and how to apply them.
Sometimes a theater therapist can work with a group. Group therapy is usually part of treatment programs in institutions such as hospitals, prisons and mental health facilities. People who are not institutionalized may also benefit from group therapy and may be referred to these programs by their physicians and therapists. In group therapy, the drama therapist facilitates breakthroughs, helps people deal with trauma, builds trust among group members, and encourages all group members to participate so they can experience personal growth.
Theater therapists can also work with smaller groups, such as families or couples. Sometimes a theater therapist may be called into a location such as a classroom or office after a traumatic event to help people process the trauma. The theater therapist can help group members feel more comfortable again and offers targeted and focused therapy that addresses the trauma group members have experienced together.
It is also possible to work with a theater therapist individually. Some patients benefit from using drama as a method of expression and may find that they can more easily work with therapeutic goals with the facilitation of a drama therapist. Even in drama therapy, there are many approaches to a treatment; therefore, people who are frustrated with their lack of progression with one therapist may want to consider approaching a different therapist to see if a new approach might be more effective. It is also important to recognize that drama therapy is not for everyone and if a theater therapist feels that a patient might be better served by a different therapeutic approach, he or she may be able to make recommendations for other professionals who might be a better fit.
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