Group dramatherapy session lasts about an hour, one-to-one treatment usually 45 minutes. It takes place once a week at the same time and in the same place. The length of time of the intervention may vary according to the needs of the individual client or of the group. However, owing to the indirect nature of the treatment and the use of metaphorical devices, dramatherapy intervention requires sufficient time to enable the effects of the treatment to take root and substantially - not merely superficially - improve the clients’ quality of life.
During the first session the rules regarding the framework are laid down in writing; this is the ‘working alliance’ according to which the sessions will take place. The written agreement, signed by the client/s and the therapist, contains important rules, enabling the participants in dramatherapy feel safe and exploit fully the treatment’s potential. The following essential rules are likely to appear in the working alliance:
Commitment to safeguard the personal safety of those present in the dramatherapy space.
Commitment to arrive for treatment at the appointed time and place.
Commitment to keep confidentiality.
Stages of Session
A drama therapy session has a distinct structure, consisting of three main stages:
A warm-up, during which the clients and the therapist prepare themselves physically and metaphorically for the main activity.
The main activity, during which the therapist will lead the clients into the world of metaphor and imagination, usually to examine a theme from the world of the clients in a creative way by means of movement or voice, dramatic activity or the enactment of a story.
A process of closure will take place, usually enabling verbal or creative reflection about a significant moment that occurred during the main activity, and gradually the client will return to the real world and daily life, as the session draws to a close and the client leaves the therapeutic space.
Aims
Each intervention via dramatherapy has its own objectives. Here are some examples:
To improve the client’s self-confidence and self-image.
To enable the expression of angry and aggressive feelings in a safe and contained way.
To create a safe space with clear boundaries.
To improve social skills.
To enable clients to cope with the need for transitions and changes.
To promote the exploration and expression of emotions.
To foster the capability to play and find new ways of creative expression.
To develop the ability to pay attention and listen to others.
To develop a strong sense of self.
To investigate various means of communication and of relations with the environment.
Dramatherapy Introductory Sessions
I also hold introductory sessions helping organizations/institutions, to become acquainted with the medium of dramatherapy. Such a session provides a first taste of dramatherapy, to enable the organization/institution to examine and decide whether the method suits its own objectives. The workshop acquaints the participants with the 'Sesame' approach to dramatherapy and provides insight as to its efficacy as a therapeutic tool.
The session lasts one or two hours and usually comprises two parts:
Experience of dramatherapy, using voice, movement, drama, play and a story.
An explanation of the principles of the 'Sesame' approach underlying my treatment and the way I adapt it to specific clients.
If you are interested in an introductory session, contact me for further details.
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