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Dramatherapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Dramatherapists use role-play, storytelling and movement to help people deal with difficult feelings, emotions and psychological issues.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£57,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 40 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

University

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

To apply for a postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a related subject, such as:

  • drama
  • performing arts
  • psychology
  • theatre performance

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

You'll be expected to have around 12 months' practical experience of working or volunteering in a support role, for example:

  • counselling
  • teaching
  • caring
  • family support
  • community arts

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You might be able to apply for an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, which includes dramatherapy.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply, along with the support of your employer.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to have paid or voluntary experience, which can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can find opportunities with:

  • community drama projects
  • youth schemes
  • organisations who work with disabled people and people with mental health issues

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience.

You can also find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it.

More Information

Registration

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 explore other careers in the psychological professions.

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 arts
  • knowledge of psychology
  • 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
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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:

  • plan and run sessions for individuals and small groups
  • encourage clients to use their creativity to raise self-confidence and self-awareness
  • use voice, movement, storytelling and mime in activity sessions
  • help clients to explore how they feel and act out situations in a safe environment
  • work closely with other professionals, like psychologists, art therapists and social workers
  • supervise and mentor trainee dramatherapists

Working environment

You could work in a therapy clinic, at an adult care home, in an NHS or private hospital, 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 dramatherapist and lead a therapy team or manage a unit
  • specialise in working with particular conditions, such as anxiety, depression or trauma
  • set up your own independent 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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Health play specialist

Music therapist

Skills assessment

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