Drama Therapy

Drama therapy is an active experiential approach facilitating the person’s ability to tell his or her own story, solve problems, express feelings appropriately and achieve catharsis, improve interpersonal skills, and strengthens the ability to perform personal life roles with increasing flexibility.  Individuals have the opportunity to improvise and create story which stimulates the neuropathways of the brain. This stimulates brain function and is emotionally satisfying and uplifting.

Different senses are channeled through touch, music and movement to stimulate different parts of the brain. This therapy works with the part of the person that is still functioning well, building self-esteem and retaining a sense of empowerment and promoting independence. Sessions are consistent and structured allowing for concentration to come and go; an aspect that helps a person continue social contact even if they are not able to participate in other groups.  Individuals decide how much or how little they want to participate as drama therapy is person centered.  Working largely with story, for example, allows people the opportunity to remember their own stories and memories and add imaginatively to the group. Most importantly,this provides an open creative outlet for a person to continue in their life. Since sessions are confidential, people can feel confident in expressing feelings and thoughts they may not in every day life. These sessions allow for the expression of a range of emotions including frustration, depression, and anger surrounding the person’s dementia and loss.  Elements of playfulness and fun in drama therapy make it an enjoyable activity to add to the person’s plan for the week.  (nadta.org)