Dramatherapist

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

• finance for postgraduate courses|https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 .

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

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 .

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

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.