Dramatherapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification in dramatherapy, accredited by the British Association of Dramatherapists .

To apply for the postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a subject like drama, creative therapies or psychology.

You might also be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, like occupational therapy, nursing or social work.

Work experience

You'll be expected to have practical drama experience.

You'll also be expected to have paid or voluntary experience in helping people to deal with issues like mental health.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to have paid or voluntary work experience.

You could work:

• in the community on drama projects
• in youth work
• with people with disabilities or mental health issues

You can get practical experience by volunteering in the NHS .

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of the fine arts
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• to enjoy working with other people
• customer service skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Dramatherapists use group work, role play and movement to help people with their feelings and emotions.

As a dramatherapist, you could:

• help clients use their creativity to increase their self confidence
• use voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets or masks
• support clients to express what they feel and act out situations in a safe environment
• encourage clients to work as a group and to form one to one relationships
• work closely with psychologists , social workers , teachers and other therapy specialists

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at an adult care home, at a school or in a prison.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a senior or consultant dramatherapist and lead a team or manage a unit
• train other dramatherapists
• set up your own practice