Drama therapy in the Iranian school

Drama therapy in the Iranian school.

Dramatherapy is a client centred form of psychotherapy that uses the art forms of drama and theatre to help clients work through issues and to promote personal growth. No experience of drama or performance is necessary to participate in dramatherapy, and it is not necessary to perform or act during a session. It is an experiential therapy that uses the imagination, physical actions and the senses to help clients to express their feelings and explore their issues. Because dramatherapy works with both verbal and non-verbal techniques, it is suitable for people who are unable or reluctant to speak.

Dramatherapy can provide a safe and creative place for clients with a wide variety of presenting issues. These can include emotional and behavioural issues; Learning difficulties; social challenges; times of loss or transition; living with disability or illness as well as personal development and self-care. The client is free to explore any aspect of theatre such as storytelling, ritual, games, puppet play, creating scenes and images, music and singing, movement and dance, costumes, props and small objects.

The dramatherapist works with each client in whichever way they are most comfortable. A client may choose to work directly with an issue, or to work indirectly using stories or creative play to explore themes and issues. Using fictional scenarios to explore difficult issues offers a client a safe distance from where they can view things, without being overwhelmed by them. This “Aesthetic distancing” can provide a client with a fresh perspective and new insights. Dramatherapy sessions are quite structured, with a definite beginning, middle and ending. There is always time given to reflect on the work of the session before ending.

Dr. Majid Amraei, Secretary General of the Iranian Drama Therapy Association, believes that drama therapy is an adjunctive, non-drug, play-based and group therapy that uses creative and improvised play to solve customer problems (2002).