Becoming A Drama Therapist Essay

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As a Professor of Theatre and a Registered Drama Therapist, Dr. Sally Bailey is constantly using theatre methods to work with diverse populations. Through role play, improvisation, storytelling, and performance, she allows clients and students to work through their problems, connect with each other, and express themselves. People of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages are able to embrace their creative side through Dr. Bailey’s programs.

“In terms of older adults, drama therapy is a wonderful tool for life review (one of the tasks of aging), for helping make new friends and connections (socialization is important for continuing health and an optimistic outlook on life), for exploring and developing new talents that they may not have had time to develop …show more content…

The path to becoming a Registered Drama Therapist is not always straight and narrow. However, those who are interested in becoming a Drama Therapist need a Master’s Degree Drama Therapy or a related field, a 300 hour Drama Therapy internship, 500 hours of theatre/drama experience, and 500 hours of additional training or work experience. Though it takes a lot of time and effort to become a therapist, the career outcomes are worth the endeavor, especially when working with older populations.

“It is important to value all people, no matter their age, ability, or background and to provide fair, safe, and enjoyable growth experiences for them,” Bailey said. “Careers in aging are going to grow as the aging population grows and older adults – because they will be boomers and then Gen Xers – are going to demand challenging experiences that help them live life to the fullest. They are not going to want to sit in front of a TV in a wheelchair all day! Drama therapy and the other arts provides those kinds of challenging