2017
Definition of Drama Therapy and Drama TherapistDrama therapy is defined as the intentional use of drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapists provide psychotherapy for individuals living with mental health and behavioural concerns that may result in psychological suffering, impaired relationships, or distress in daily activities. Drama therapy promotes wellness and healing within the context of a therapeutic relationship for individuals of varying ability levels across the lifespan. In North America, a drama therapist is a credentialed professional who has completed graduate level education and clinical training requirements established by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) and who holds a credential as a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT). It is the responsibility of drama therapists to gain the appropriate Drama Therapy PracticeA registered drama therapist (RDT) conducts drama therapy through the use, application, and integration of the coursework and training required by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA). Drama therapy is an active, experiential approach to facilitating social, emotional and cognitive change. Drama therapy can take many forms depending on individual and group needs, skill and ability levels, interests, and therapeutic goals. Processes and techniques may include improvisation, theater games, storytelling, and enactment. Many drama therapists make use of text, performance, or ritual to enrich the therapeutic and creative process. Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationship, expand The theoretical foundation of drama therapy lies in drama, theater, psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology, sociology, occupational therapy, play, and interactive and creative processes. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express and process feelings and emotions. Participants can expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened. Through drama therapy, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. Areas of practice and competence in drama therapy include:
Populations and SettingsParticipants benefiting from drama therapy span the life spectrum. Client populations may include, but are not limited to, those with severe mental illness, persons recovering from addiction or eating disorders, families in need of support, persons with developmental disabilities, trauma survivors, members of the LGBTQI population, prison inmates, homeless persons, people with HIV/AIDS, veterans, older adults, at-risk youth, and individuals seeking to improve quality of life and general wellness. Registered Drama Therapists practice in many settings, including: Mental Health Facilities; Schools; Hospitals; Private Practice Settings; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; Adult Day Care Centers; Correctional Facilities; Community Centers; After-school Programs; Shelters; Group Homes; Nursing Homes; Corporations; Theaters; Housing Projects; Medical Schools; Training Organizations. Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Cultural ResponsibilityRegistered Drama Therapists (RDT) strictly follow the North American Drama Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics which regulates professional responsibility, clinical and cultural competence, confidentiality, informed consent, professional relationships, principles of physical contact, and responsibility towards research participants. Registered Drama Therapists also adhere to the NADTA Guidelines for Cultural Responsibility as they relate to commitment to cultural awareness and knowledge of self and others, commitment to cultural response/ability in drama therapy practice, training, supervision, research, advocacy and organizational change. Drama therapy is conducted in a manner congruent with the client’s level of functioning, cultural considerations, and clinical needs across multiple areas. Education & Clinical Training RequirementsRegistered Drama Therapist (RDT)A RDT is a Master’s level credential requiring coursework in applied psychology and drama therapy, experience in theater, and supervised internship and work experience. RDTs are board certified in the practice of drama therapy and follow the NADTA Code of Ethics. The educational requirements for the RDT involve:
○ or a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in a field related to drama therapy from an accredited college or university AND completion of in-depth training in drama therapy through NADTA's alternative training program under the guidance of a Board Certified Trainer (RDT/BCT).
○ minimum of 300 direct-client contact hours; a maximum of 50% (150 hours) of the direct-client contact time may be one-on-one contact, while the remaining 50% (150 hours) must be group work. ○ minimum of 30 hours of supervision by a Registered Drama Therapist, credentialed creative arts therapist, credentialed special educator or credentialed mental health professional; ○ an additional 470 hours of additional internship hours (including, but not limited to, staff meetings, preparing for sessions, contact notes, reviewing professional materials, and other administrative work). Basic eligibility requirements aside from the internship to become an RDT include but are not limited to:
○ Additional hours of drama therapy internship over and above the 800 required hours. ○ Additional hours of work experience over and above the 1000 required hours. ○ Additional hours of clinical training in drama therapy or a related therapeutic field. This can include workshops, conferences, post-graduate institutes, practica, institutes, or apprenticeship programs. ○ Up to 100 hours of personal psychotherapy within the last 5 years. A RDT is required to maintain their credential by attaining ongoing continuing education credits through courses, workshops, professional service or other forms of professional development. These continuing education credits are audited by the NADTA in order to maintain a high standard of best practices and ensure ethical practice. |