Dramatherapist

Dramatherapist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Employers of dramatherapists include social services departments, probation/behaviour support services, hospitals, day/community care centres, residential homes, prisons, young offenders units, special schools, training centres, disability units, prisons, voluntary organisations and charities. Therapists commonly work as private practitioners or on a freelance/self-employed basis. Their work is with adults, young people and children (including offenders) who are suffering symptoms including depression, anxiety, physical/ psychiatric/neurological disorders, learning difficulties, dementia, autism, behavioural problems or emotional problems. Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• assessing clients' needs
• planning and providing appropriate treatment
• liaising with and taking referrals from other professionals including doctors, psychologists and other therapists maintaining confidential records and case notes
• actively participating in therapy sessions and encouraging clients to do the same
• helping clients understand and address inner conflicts through drama processes such as role-play, storytelling, improvisation, script work etc
• enabling clients to learn new skills
• making use of props, equipment and materials
• writing reports.

Dramatherapy is a small profession and job vacancies (particularly those that are full-time) attract strong competition. Most opportunities are part-time and/or temporary. Vacancies are advertised via the internet, in national newspapers, vacancy lists produced by local/health authorities, and publications including Therapy Weekly, The Prompt, Community Care and Health Service Journal

Qualifications and training required

To work within the NHS, educational or community settings it is essential to gain an approved postgraduate dramatherapy diploma or MA. Prior to study usually one year's clinical experience must be gained as well as practical theatre or drama work. An honours degree in performing arts, psychology, English, education, sociology, occupational therapy or literary studies can be advantageous. A number of institutions also offer short courses that can provide a useful starting point and an insight into the profession.

Key skills for dramatherapists

Candidates must be mature in attitude, resilient, creative and imaginative and should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.