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Dramatherapy with Adults

It is easy to assume that Drama & Movement Therapy, or Dramatherapy as it is often referred to is more suited to working with children and young people than with adults. But in fact Drama and Movement can be extremely powerful tools for adults, in order to explore difficult feelings and issues in a different way.

For some adults, this might be because verbal communication is limited, but for most adults it is simply because we spend so much of our lives talking and thinking about things already - yet we still find ourselves up against these obstacles and difficulties that life throws at us, not really sure which way to turn.



Dramatherapy with Adults #01


Drama and creativity can re awaken more playful and instinctual parts of our selves which may be lost or suppressed due to the demands of the adult world. When we allow for spontaneity and imagination to speak for us, new ways to tackle problems and to think about issues can be found. For this reason creativity can often be the key to unlocking change in an adult’s life.

Physical movement allows the adult body to speak instead of the voice, which can distract from over-thinking issues. Often we can be surprised by how our body responds to words and music, and from this we can learn new things about ourselves and our feelings. Movement with Touch can be a powerful element to Dramatherapy work with some adults, which can bring up a wide range of feelings to be explored.

Jungian archetypes and symbols can also play a key role in Dramatherapy with adults with more acute issues, in order to explore the more repressed parts of ourselves safely, by using the distance that the creative medium of story and play can provide. Dramatherapy can sometimes be a useful step on from counselling or a talking psychotherapy.

It is important to remember that just like the work with children and young people, Dramatherapy with adults is client led, and adults are always invited to do as much or as little as they feel they can at any given moment. It is non confrontational approach which relies on creating a safe and contained space, and allowing time to build relationship and trust before elements such as Movement with Touch and Jungian interventions are used.





Adults can self refer themselves for Dramatherapy, and some may have been referred by other health professionals such as doctors, counsellors and therapists. Any issue, feeling or problem can be explored in Dramatherapy. I have worked with adults with the following presenting issues:

  • Abuse
  • Addictions
  • Anger
  • Anxieties
  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • Body Issues
  • Depression
  • Early Childhood Issues
  • Eating Disorders
  • Health Related Issues
  • Issues around Sexuality
  • Family Issues
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Loss & Bereavement
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Pre & Postnatal Depression
  • Phobias
  • Relationship Problems
  • Self Esteem Issues
  • Social & Communication Difficulties
  • Weight Issues
  • Work Related Problems