Dramatherapy Ireland

Dramatherapist work throughout the education system - mainstream
Primary, Secondary and Special schools. Dramatherapy offers children
and teenagers who need additional support and opportunity to
nurture positive attitudes about themselves, their peers and
significant adults in their lives. It prepares a child to take on the
learning that is expected of him/herslef as a student and provides
supports the emotional and psychological development of the child.
This can be done on a one to one basis our as part of a group. For
younger children play is a child’s natural medium for self expression.
Dramatherapy provides a safe space for children to ‘act out’ their
feelings and problems.

Dramatherapy is useful to assist children who have become
withdrawn or anxious, have learning disabilities, are exhibiting anti-
social or disruptive behaviour , or have suffered trauma/loss or have
sensory or physical disability. It is also helpful for those with low level
skills and children who seek recognition for their feelings in
inappropriate or ineffective ways.

Dramatherapeutic interventions enable a child to find a way of
expressing their needs and also to assist a child in healing through;

		Enhancing the socialisation process with a view to students
		managing difficulties in new and creative ways that are appropriate.
		Developing a vocabulary which facilitates the expression of
		emotions and feelings.

Some of the methods used with children and teenagers are :

Therapeutic story

Embodiment play (sensory awareness, movement).

		Projective Play (objects and small toys are used to play out
		feelings).

		Role play (experimenting with different roles and behaviours).