Introduction to Dramatherapy is an intensive weekend course where participants will be introduced to the core processes inherent to dramatherapy as a therapeutic practice.

The sessions, on 12 and 13 October, will explore play, dramatic projection, role-play, witnessing, embodiment, symbol and metaphor and the life-drama connection as the tools of this psychotherapeutic approach.

The course aims to offer participants an introduction to dramatherapy by engaging them in an experiential group process.

They’ll be invited to explore various creative methods and structures, while learning about the application of dramatherapy as a distinct discipline in diverse community and clinical settings.

This course may be of particular interest for theatre practitioners, health workers, nurses, midwives, psychologists, social workers and teachers.

It’s open access for anyone who is interested in learning about dramatherapy. And while an interest in the field is beneficial, no previous drama or clinical background is necessary.

It will be led by Anastasia McWilliams, NHS Counsellor at Sandyford SCASS, dramatherapist and trauma practitioner (EMDR / DBR) and Zoe Brook, Director of therapeutic arts charity Bazooka Arts and dramatherapist.

What should participants expect from the course?

An experiential exploration of dramatherapy techniques that will help participants understand dramatherapy processes. We will also cover some theory and give examples of clinical applications in various settings.

What do you hope participants will take away from the course?

A greater understanding of what dramatherapy is, its origins and applications and what is required to train professionally as a dramatherapist.

By experiencing first-hand how dramatherapy works, we hope that participants will feel the impact these methods can have which may later inform their personal or professional development.

What drew you to working in Dramatherapy?

Anastasia (above): Coming from a theatre background and with a great interest in psychotherapeutic processes, I wanted to focus on the transformative power of theatre and make it accessible to those who want to explore, express and process difficult thoughts and emotions and bring about positive change.

I became interested in how dramatherapy interventions can mobilise our imaginative resources, by using metaphor and symbolism to safely explore traumatic past events, the role patterns we inhabit, and aspects of identity and sense of self.

From the start of my therapy journey 15 years ago, I am always moved when witnessing how the creative exploration of difficult themes within a safe container can significantly improve ones psychological wellbeing, strengthen internal resources and instil a sense of hope.

Zoe: I studied theatre and politics at university and became interested in the work of Augusto Boal and, at the same time, I began working in youth and community projects using a person centred /empowering approach to exploring issues and making theatre.

I quickly began to see how taking part in the drama processes had a positive impact on confidence, health and well-being, I also encountered how powerful it can be and felt the need to be able to deal with the overwhelming and complex psychological material that could arise.

Training as a dramatherapist taught me how to use aesthetic distance, containment and boundaries effectively and it taught me the importance of having my own therapy, supervision and reflective practice to safely hold space for others.

What are you looking forward to about teaching on the course?

We really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and the opportunity to share our understanding of what dramatherapy is.

Previous participants have shared how they enjoyed the opportunity to work creatively together in a supportive group environment that encourages reflection and connection.

We are really looking forward to providing this opportunity again for our new participants and meeting whoever choses to join us.

Any advice for those who want to pursue dramatherapy as a career?

Training to become a dramatherapist is an in-depth process and requires not only professional training at a masters level but also a commitment to personal therapy and continuous professional development. This is a lengthy process but is incredibly rewarding.

We highly recommend an experiential introduction to dramatherapy before embarking on a professional training.

RCS has a vibrant and varied programme of Short Courses for children, young people and adults.

Explore the full programme

If you have any questions about this course or the support we can offer, please email Short Courses