Drama And Movement Therapy
Drama Therapy encourages the exploration of emotions, feelings and expression.
Using a range of techniques, both verbal and non-verbal, including story making, role-playing and movement the focus is on ‘doing’ rather than ‘thinking’.
Through play, games and role play your child can explore and express how they feel. This can be empowering, helping them to feel in control, process their emotions and build confidence and self-esteem.
Drama therapy is not an acting lesson - your child doesn’t need to have had any experience to attend and in fact they don’t even need to like drama!
About Drama Therapy
Watch this short film to find out more about Drama Therapy at Noah's Ark and how it can support you and your family.
The Theory Behind Drama Therapy
We all have a cast of characters within us that play different roles at different times in our lives. Each of us have experience of the home, school or work self and the roles we play with the different people in our lives.
The basic theory of drama therapy is that engaging in creative play, such as acting out roles and scenarios, can help people explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By stepping into different characters or situations, individuals can gain insight into their own emotions, gain new perspectives, and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment. This process can promote healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. The therapy uses the power of imagination and storytelling to support emotional and psychological well-being.
Each drama therapy session is as unique as the person is and each session can look very different.
Resources That We Use
Sessions can be physical using movement or dance and can be fully adapted to suit a child’s ability.
We focus on what children can do, rather than any perceived limitations. Sessions are family-led and can include a variety of materials and equipment based on interests and needs.
Drama sessions can include using:
- Art and sensory materials such as clay, water beads, rice, and even slime – anything that is tactile and great for expressive work.
- Puppets and costumes to encourage story making and explore using different characters.
- Games such as juggling balls and even a soft baseball bat, which we used to (safely) smash up cardboard boxes – great for focusing and releasing emotions!
- Musical instruments - banging drums and using thunder makers – using anything that makes a noise.
