Drama therapy integrates the methods of drama and theatre with those of psychotherapy to facilitate personal change. Engaging in therapy with diverse populations, drama therapists assist clients in attaining goals which may include personal and emotional growth, ego development and psychological integration, behavioral change, the development of social skills, and improvement in quality of life.

The MA in Creative Arts Therapies, Drama Therapy Option, is an intensive two-year preparation for professional competence in the implementation of the dramatic arts in therapy. It is designed to educate and train drama therapists who will function as competent primary or adjunct professionals in their field with a strong sense of ethical and social responsibility. The Drama Therapy Option was designed to meet the program requirements for the National Association for Drama Therapy. Formal accreditation was awarded by the NADT in 2000.

Practicum placements in drama therapy are central to student learning experience. Practicum experience entails observing and working with health care professionals, as well as direct contact with patients. Skill in the implementation of the principles and practices of drama therapy is developed on site in fieldwork/practicum placements that are extensively supervised by a variety of experienced practitioners. Practicum sites for drama therapy students include hospital and health care institutions, community centres, geriatric facilities, and schools. Ideas for research that emerge from this hands-on experience become the basis for case studies, research papers, and special projects.

To learn more, see:

• Admission requirements
• Course descriptions
• Sample course sequence
• Career prospects

or download the Drama Therapy pamphlet (English / Français).