Dramatherapist
Beauty and Wellbeing

How to become a dramatherapist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

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

To apply, you'll need a first degree in a subject like:

• drama
• creative therapies
• psychology

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

You'll be expected to have:

• practical drama experience
• voluntary or paid experience in helping people to deal with issues like mental health

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship. You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship

Volunteering & Experience

You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working in the community on drama projects, in youth work, or with people with disabilities or mental health issues. You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

More info

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

It may help if you've got a background in teaching, acting, nursing or social work.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Association of Dramatherapists for professional recognition and training and development opportunities.

Further information

You can find advice about how to become a dramatherapist from the British Association of Dramatherapists and Health Careers.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of the fine arts
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• helping clients use their imagination and creativity to increase their confidence and self-esteem
• using voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppetry and masks
• encouraging clients to form one-to-one relationships and also work as part of a group
• supporting clients to express what they feel and think about the world around them
• enabling the acting out of situations in a safe environment
• working closely with other professionals like psychologists, social workers, teachers and other therapy specialists

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a senior or consultant dramatherapist and lead a team of therapists or manage a unit. You could also train other dramatherapists or set up your own practice.