Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator CRR: A64010)

Drama Therapy is a form of Expressive Arts Therapy that uses techniques from drama and theatre to facilitate the expression of thoughts, emotions, desires etc through role playing, story-telling, improvisations, puppetry, use of masks etc. It is often used for emotional regulation, enabling communication, build social skills and help individuals explore their innermost thoughts and struggles, in a safe and creative environment.

The North American Drama Therapy Association defines Drama Therapy as, “Drama therapy is an embodied practice that is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced” (Accessed from the website https://www.nadta.org/what-is-drama-therapy).

According to the article, “What to Know about Drama Therapy? (accessed from the website https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drama-therapy), some of the techniques that are used in Drama Therapy include, “storytelling, games, play acting, improvisation, role-playing, puppetry, creative writing exercises and guided visualizations’.

The Drama therapist can also use various kinds of multi-media such as music, movement or even some forms of art in conjunction with the drama techniques to help the clients express and articulate their thoughts, emotions, desires and inner struggles, better.
Drama Therapy can be used in a variety of settings—both clinical and non-clinical—schools, counselling centres, with individuals with disabilities, mental heath facilities, community centres etc.
The next blog will look at Drama Therapy and Neurodiversity and the training programs for Drama Therapy that are available in India (online, hybrid, offline).

REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drama-therapy#how-it-works
https://www.nadta.org/what-is-drama-therapy
https://www.centerforcounselling.org/indian-institute-of-psychodrama-iip/
https://sanjeevdatta.com/drama-therapy-techniques/
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

“Blooms”
Acrylic Painting, Acrylic Marker pens and Collaged paper with Tempera sticks
Kabir Vernal