Drama therapy is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. Participants can expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened.
Behavior change, skill-building, emotional and physical integration, and personal growth can be achieved through drama therapy in prevention, intervention, and treatment settings.
The National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) was incorporated in 1979 to establish and uphold rigorous standards of professional competence for drama therapists. The organization maintains requirements that must be met to qualify as a registered drama therapist (RDT). NADT promotes drama therapy through information and advocacy.
As a member organization of the National Coalition of Arts Therapies Association (NCATA), NADT is aligned with professionals in the fields of art, music, dance, and poetry therapies, as well as group psychotherapy and psychodrama.
SO WHAT EXACTLY DO DRAMA THERAPISTS DO?
A drama therapist first assesses a client's needs and then considers approaches that might best meet those needs. Drama therapy can take many forms depending on individual and group needs, skill and ability levels, interests, and therapeutic goals.
Processes and techniques may include improvisation, theater games, storytelling, and enactment. Many drama therapists make use of text, performance, or ritual to enrich the therapeutic and creative process.
The theoretical foundation of drama therapy lies in drama, theater, psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology, play, and interactive and creative processes.
SO WHO CAN BE CONSIDERED A 'DRAMA THERAPIST OR PROGRAM' AND WHAT TRAINING DO THEY HAVE?
Drama therapists hold a master's or doctoral degree in Drama Therapy from a program accredited by the National Association for Drama Therapy, or hold a master's or doctoral degree in theater or a mental health profession with additional in-depth training in drama therapy through NADT's alternative training program. Board-certified registered drama therapists (RDT/BCT) train and supervise students in this alternative track.
Because the State of Iowa does not hold a specific credential or license for Creative Arts Therapists, anyone can claim they are a Drama or Creative Arts therapist or program in this state regardless of training or education. Currently there are only two active Drama Therapists, or drama therapy students, registered with the NADT, three total in the entire State of Iowa.
Erin McNamara-Bustamante is currently enrolled and supervised by a Board Certified Trainer and a Licensed Clinician by the State in order to pursue her Alternative Certification in Drama Therapy and to implement programs and activities that are counted towards her certification as a Registered Drama Therapist by the National Association of Drama Therapy. Erin is currently Registered with the National Association as a student and attends the Master's level program through Kansas State University as a distance student. Erin also attends the National Conference's as well as any other trainings that are held through out the year to increase her kowledge and application of Drama Therapy as well as Psychodrama.
Educational Experience: Erin is also finishing her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is preparing for work as a PhD student in Clinical Psychology to meet licensure requirements held by the State of Iowa to eventually become licensed in the State for Practice. Erin also has over 15 years working with various special needs populations from Developmental and Intellectually Delayed, Chronically Mentally Ill, Abused Children and Adults, Autsim Spectrum Disorders, and working with grief, loss, and trauma.
Theatre Experience: Erin has also received classical training in the theatre since age 10 in the theatre arts involving directing, technical work, improvisational skills and acting. Erin still continues her involvement when possible with local theatre and arts productions as well as staging and offering community based classes and camps.