What is Drama Therapy?
Sometimes talking about what is going on isn’t enough. We may leave therapy wishing we could have practiced or rehearsed for that tough conversation or wish we could have had some distance from the trauma we were sharing about. Talk therapy is a life changing tool, but creative options like drama therapy can be an innovative option that fits.
I’m Lauren and I’m a drama therapist at Rooted Compassion.
Usually when I say this I am met with a confused look and the question,“What’s drama therapy?” Sometimes people think I am saying “trauma therapy,” or assume that drama therapy must be only for actors (not the case, although actors are of course welcome!). I find that once I explain drama therapy those confused faces turn into excited ones and that people are eager to share an example of a time they could have benefited from a creative alternative to talk therapy.
Drama therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses drama as its healing modality. Much like how art therapy uses art or music therapy uses music, drama therapy allows clients to achieve their goals with the help of theatre games, improvisation, roleplaying, puppets, and other creative approaches. Drama therapy is suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and therapeutic goals, and we have training in traditional counseling techniques as well as more specific drama therapy and creative arts interventions.
As a drama therapist, I pride myself on my ability to use not just drama, but the other creative arts in sessions as well. Let’s say someone comes in wanting to address their anger. I may use music therapy to move from anger to a calm place where we are able to work. I may ask them to write a poem about that anger, describing what it looks like, how it feels, or where it comes from.
Perhaps the best route for the client is drawing this anger to have a visual representation of it. To take things further we could step into the role of anger and interview it. What does the anger want? What is it trying to express? How can we move forward? Afterwards, we step out of the role of anger and back into ourselves where we are then able to process the experience. This is just an example of one way a session with me may go.
As a drama therapist, my creativity is one of my greatest assets to get to know my clients, their story, and their goals. I partner with them in finding creative ways to achieve change. If you’ve ever felt like an alternative to talk therapy may be right for you, reach out and give drama therapy a try.
At Rooted Compassion Counseling & Consulting, we’re proud to have Lauren Pontis, MA — Cincinnati’s premier drama therapist. Known for her creativity, compassion, and transformative approach, Lauren helps clients uncover insight, build confidence, and heal through the power of drama therapy.
Experience why she’s recognized as one of the best in Ohio.
Schedule your session with Lauren today and begin your journey toward growth and healing.
