Dramatherapist

Dramatherapists use group work, role play and movement to help people with their feelings and emotions.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a dramatherapist, you could:

  • help clients use their creativity to increase their self confidence
  • use voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets or masks
  • support clients to express what they feel and act out situations in a safe environment
  • encourage clients to work as a group and to form one to one relationships
  • work closely with psychologists, social workers, teachers and other therapy specialists

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at an adult care home, at a school or in a prison.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a senior or consultant dramatherapist and lead a team or manage a unit
  • train other dramatherapists
  • set up your own practice

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of psychology
  • 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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • Drama - Dramatherapists use role play, improvisation, storytelling, and performance techniques as their core therapeutic tools. They draw on drama skills like voice work, movement, mime, and puppetry to help clients express emotions and explore difficult situations in a safe environment.
  • Psychology - Dramatherapists need a deep understanding of how the mind works, including how people process emotions, trauma, and mental health conditions. They use psychological theories to plan sessions, interpret clients' responses, and track progress over time.

Also relevant

  • Sociology - Dramatherapists often work with groups and need to understand how social dynamics, identity, and inequality affect people's wellbeing. Knowledge of how factors like poverty, exclusion, and community shape mental health helps them support clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • English Literature - Dramatherapists use storytelling, myths, and narrative as therapeutic tools to help clients make sense of their experiences. A strong understanding of how stories, characters, and themes work gives them a rich toolkit for creating meaningful sessions.
  • Biology - Dramatherapists benefit from understanding how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, trauma, and emotional expression. Knowledge of topics like the fight-or-flight response and how physical movement affects mental health supports their therapeutic approach.
  • Dance - Dramatherapists use movement and physical expression as part of their sessions, helping clients communicate feelings that are hard to put into words. An understanding of how the body can be used expressively – including rhythm, gesture, and spatial awareness – enriches their practice.
  • Music - Dramatherapists sometimes incorporate sound, rhythm, and music into their sessions to help clients relax, express emotions, or build group connection. Understanding how music affects mood and energy can make therapeutic activities more engaging and effective.
  • Physical Education - Dramatherapists use physical activities and movement-based exercises to help clients build confidence and release tension. Understanding how physical activity supports mental wellbeing and how to lead group physical work safely is a practical part of the role.

How to become

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

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

To apply for the postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a subject like drama, creative therapies or psychology.

You might also be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, like occupational therapy, nursing or social work.

Work experience

You'll be expected to have practical drama experience.

You'll also be expected to have paid or voluntary experience in helping people to deal with issues like mental health.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You might be able to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

You'll find it useful to have paid or voluntary work experience.

You could work:

  • in the community on drama projects
  • in youth work
  • with people with disabilities or mental health issues

You can get practical experience by volunteering in the NHS.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

Registration

Career tips

It might help if you've got a background in teaching, acting, nursing or social work.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Association of Dramatherapists for professional recognition, 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.

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