Dramatherapy Cumbria

What I can help with

The conditions that I have the most experience in treating are stress, anxiety, post traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, depression, psychosis and recovery from domestic abuse. I am also very experienced in supporting parents who are caring for children with challenges, particularly children with attachment disorders and/or dissociation.In treating children I have particular experience in working with attachment issues, but also with anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, bullying, phobias and autism.
Sessions are usually for an hour each week. How long the sessions go on for depends on many factors and is something we can discuss when we have the initial free consultation.

How it works

Sometimes people just like to talk and in that instance, I am here to listen and offer support and understanding. Sometimes, however, it can be helpful to explore issues using creative methods because:

it opens up possibilities to express things that are hard to put into words
it means we can express deeper aspects of the issue that we may have been consciously unaware of
it can offer up a different perspective or insight
it can stop us getting stuck or going round in circles with an issue
it can feel good

This doesn't mean that you have to believe you are 'creative' to engage in Dramatherapy, sometimes our creativity can feel a bit stuck, especially if things have been hard for a while, or it can feel as though it's never been there. Unlocking it is part of the process.

What happens in Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy does not follow a prescriptive process, each session is unique and depends very much on what the client needs. To begin with I will find out what you want to get out of coming for therapy and we will probably just talk things through. I will then find out how you might like to work, I might make suggestions and get a feel for which methods might work well for you. If there is something that I suggest and you don't like the idea of it, we'll think of something else. Things we might try as we explore an issue include:

Story making
Creating images
Using objects to represent people/issues
Role-play
Exploring 'theatre of self' and different roles you might play in your life
Movement and sound
Play
Poetry
Mask work
Puppets
Mind mapping
Psychoeducation about the brain and trauma
Mindfulness
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Guided meditation and imagery

Dramatherapy Training and HCPC Registration

Dramatherapists must train to Masters level to be qualified and prior to acceptance onto an accredited course they must have already qualified to degree level in their art form or in psychology (if they have significant experience of the art form) alongside at least a years worth of experience working with a client population (i.e. children, mental health, care of the elderly, care of people with disabilities).

Dramatherapy training is intensive and requires students to undergo their own therapy alongside their training which covers psychotherapy theory and practice, dramatherapy theory and practice, research and clinical placements. Training usually takes two years.

Once qualified Dramatherapists register with the HCPC, which is a regulatory body ensuring a high quality of standards for health care practitioners. As part of registration, therapists must maintain high levels of Continuous Professional Development to keep their practice up to date. A link to the HCPC website can be found here.

The British Association of Dramatherapists also maintains guidelines for good practice and ethical working. More information can be found on the Badth website.