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Dramatherapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Dramatherapists use group work, role play and movement to help people with their feelings and emotions.

Average salary (a year)

£33,706 Starter

to

£47,672 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a dramatherapist

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

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

To apply for the postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a subject like drama, creative therapies or psychology.

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

Work experience

You'll be expected to have practical drama experience.

You'll also be expected to have paid or voluntary experience in helping people to deal with issues like mental health.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You might be able to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to have paid or voluntary work experience. 

You could work:

  • in the community on drama projects
  • in youth work
  • with people with disabilities or mental health issues

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

It might 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, 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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a dramatherapist, you could:

  • help clients use their creativity to increase their self confidence
  • use voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets or masks
  • support clients to express what they feel and act out situations in a safe environment
  • encourage clients to work as a group and to form one to one relationships
  • work closely with 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a senior or consultant dramatherapist and lead a team or manage a unit
  • train other dramatherapists
  • set up your own practice

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a dramatherapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a dramatherapist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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