Theatre was my first love. It was my passion, hobby and it kept me motivated and engaged. It was also my first major in college and it is currently how I spend my free time. Over time my focus shifted too psychology and I went on to become a licensed therapist. I always saw powerful connections between the process of therapy and the process of acting and eventually found a whole area of study combining my two passions in drama therapy.
Drama therapy is a form of psychotherapy. It involves using drama and theatre techniques to help people resolve conflicts and problems. It may also allow individuals to develop self-awareness, express emotions, and improve relationships. Drama therapy works for individuals, groups, or family settings. Therapists may use it in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Drama therapy maintains the belief that everyone has an innate capacity for creative expression. When individuals explore their inner lives through drama, they can access hidden parts of themselves, develop new ways of relating to others, and find new solutions to old problems. It has been found as an effective aid treatment for people suffering from conditions such as: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Drama therapy uses the power of theater and storytelling to facilitate personal growth and healing.Depending on the needs, drama therapy can take on many forms and include a range of techniques, including:
Drama exercises.
Enactment.
Improvisations.
Puppetry.
Role play.
Storytelling.
Theater games.
This month I have the great fortune to share the power of drama therapy with the community through the theatre I am connected with. We are producing a wonderful, family oriented show centered on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It is a unique way to explore how different cultures process grief and loss. In conjunction with the play are workshops.
We are facilitating a free grief workshop in both English and Spanish on Thursday 9/22 at 5:30p.m. Please see theelite.org for more information or join us for the play Journey of the Skeletons. We would love to see you there.
Kimberly Prendergast, LMFT is one of the Owner's of Empire Therapy & Family Services. She has been assisting children, adolescents and families in crisis for over 20 years. Kimberly can be reached at 805.798.3723 or kprendergast@empiretcs.net.