Dramatherapy and children

What is Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy is a creative form of psychotherapy.

When we watch films or soaps, we often have feelings about the characters or what is happening. Drama can be very useful in helping us understand how we feel about something.  In the sessions we might create stories to help explain what you are feeling and how others can help you. 

Who comes to see Vicki the Dramatherapist? 

Anyone from 3-25 years of age.

Some mums and babies come and see Vicki. 

Why do young people see a Dramatherapist?

There are many different reasons for seeing a Dramatherapist. 

Sometimes when young people are growing up, changes in their lives at home, school, with family, carers or friends make them behave differently or have feelings that make them very sad, angry, hurt and jealous. It may be hard to talk and think about how you feel.

Sometimes young people have been hurt by other people and they need a space to help understand what has happened to them and find a way of moving forward. 

Some young people need support during a court case which might be to do with their parents or even themselves.

Dramatherapy can be useful in helping you to understand your feelings.

Dramatherapy is a secure and understanding place to go when things in life seem very unsafe and changeable.

Do I have to be good at Drama?

No, you don’t have to be good at Drama. It might be that you create stories and do not actually ‘act’ it out.  It might be that you draw or write these stories.  It is about using the activities to express your feelings. 

When and where will I see Vicki the Dramatherapist

At Orchard Centre in Truro. 

1 hour a week for a number of weeks agreed. Some children/young people see me for a long-time other just for a short time. This is decided between the young person and Vicki as to how long the young person will attend sessions. 

Who will know that I am doing Dramatherapy?

The person who referred you, this may be your parents, carers, doctor, social worker or someone working with you and Vicki the Dramatherapist. They will know that you have been offered Dramatherapy.

Is it confidential (private)?

Yes, it is but Vicki the Dramatherapist will explain to you about keeping you and others safe. You are welcome to share with anyone what you do and say but Vicki is unable too. 

Exceptions to this; 

If you tell Vicki that someone is hurting you or your hurting someone else, Vicki has a duty of care to protect you. 

If you tell someone is hurting you or has hurt you, Vicki will explain that she has to pass this information onto a social worker who works with the police. They then make sure you are safe. Vicki will talk you through the plan. 

If you have told Vicki the Dramatherapist that someone is hurting you and the police arrest that person, a judge might ask Vicki the Dramatherapist for a report or her sessions notes which she keeps on a computer that are password protected and no one else can see. If this is the case Vicki might be forced to pass on her session notes as the judge wants to read them. This is used in evidence to support the bad person going to prison. You will be informed about the process. 

What if someone has hurt me and told me never to tell anyone and if I do something bad will happen. 

Vicki will believe you. 

Some people tell children they will hurt them again or people or animals they care about. This all about controlling you, if you told Vicki this takes the power away from them. They want you to believe that they will hurt others but by telling Vicki she can get help with the social worker and stop that person from hurting you or others. 

What is the room like? 

It takes place in a room with lots of different materials such as costumes, puppets, art materials, games, toys, Lego and sensory toys with a trained Dramatherapist. The sessions are about you exploring what you want to, this may be done through creating stories, making or drawing things, creating a drama physically or through puppets.  It’s about giving you the space to be heard and to be understood. 

The room is sound proofed so you can make as much noise as you want but no one else can hear!

There is a window so you can see your parents/carer/teacher/friend who has brought you. 

The room is upstairs, and it looks out onto Truro, the cathedral and shoppers but they can’t see you. 

The room is always the same. 

There are toilets, if you need to go you can at any time. It isn’t like school where you have to wait. 

What do I say to my friends and other people?

You can tell people you are doing Dramatherapy if you want to. Or you can just say you have an appointment that helps you with a few things. If you don’t want to tell anyone then this is ok too. 

What happens in a session? 

Vicki the Dramatherapist will keep the time and let you know how long is left so preparing you to leave the room. A calendar will be given so you can tick off the sessions. 

In the first session Vicki the Dramatherapist will show you around, tell you about Dramatherapy, play some games, have a chat, make things and agree with you what you would like to achieve by seeing her. 

Vicki will also assess you through using an assessment tool which is online, and she will share with you where it is showing you are having difficulties and whether you feel this assessment is right. Later on, probably 6-10 weeks later the same assessment will be done again to see if you have improved in the areas that you had found difficult previously. If you haven’t then we work out between us what helps you and what doesn’t. Each child/young person has different needs and things that they are interested in doing and so Vicki tailors the work that helps you. 

Would I be made to do something I don’t want to do like art or act?

Absolutely not! These sessions are yours and so Vicki will work with you and what you want. She is led by you. 

Will I be judged on what I say and do? 

No Vicki is non-judgemental. Anyone is welcome, no matter their age, gender identity, religion. All is welcome.

What happens if I don’t like Dramatherapy? 

If you are not happy doing Dramatherapy we want, you to talk to us about this. We can find another way to help you.

Do I have to wear a mask? 

No, you don’t but you will be asked to use hand sanitiser before entering the therapy room. If you don’t like using hand sanitiser you can wash your hands. All the room and contents are cleaned after each person. Vicki has had both vaccines and will wear a clear face shield. Vicki will be following the regulations set out by the government and by the HCPC. 

If you are aware that you need to self-isolate, it’s important that you or your parent/carer let Vicki know. Vicki will also let you know if she has to self-isolate. In these cases, a zoom or telephone session will be offered.