Introduction to Dramatherapy

An early pioneer of UK dramatherapy, Phil Jones sees it as the facilitation of change through drama processes, ‘The client seeks to achieve a new relationship towards the problems or life experiences they bring to therapy. The aim is to find in this new relationship, resolution, relief, a new understanding or changed ways of functioning.’ (1996, p6)

Mandy Carr will draw on dramatherapy theory and clinical vignettes in order to explore:

• What is dramatherapy and what is it not? …. Similarities and differences between dramatherapy and therapeutic or educational applications of drama
• What are the different models of dramatherapy? … a brief look at some of the diverse approaches to this work in the UK and USA
• What is it like to experience dramatherapy? … a creative introduction to embodiment, projection and role (EPR), a dramatherapy model developed by Sue Jennings. Participants will be invited to take part in a range of activities and finally to reflect upon their relevance within counselling and psychotherapy contexts.

Mandy Carr is a dramatherapist, trainer and clinical supervisor. Previously a senior lecturer in dramatherapy and former convenor of the BADth Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee, she is currently a candidate on the professional doctorate programme offered by the Cambridge Theological Federation in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University. Publications include 2018 'Dramatherapy and Religion: (Un) comfortable Bedfellows? In Honour of Dr Roger Grainger' (with Ditty Dokter) Dramatherapy 39, No.1, pp.16-28, Routledge.