Theories Behavioral Psychology Drama Therapy for Troubled Teens A Creative Way to Deal With Emotions By Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW linkedin Kathyrn Rudlin, LCSW, a writer and therapist in California specializes in counseling and education for teenagers with mothers who are emotionally disconnected. Learn about our editorial process Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW Fact checked by Fact checked by Sean Blackburn on August 10, 2020 linkedin Sean is a fact checker and researcher with experience in sociology and field research. Learn about our editorial process Sean Blackburn Updated on September 17, 2020 Print Katarzyna Bialasiewicz / Getty Images Table of Contents View All What Is Drama Therapy? How It Works Benefits Why It Appeals to Teens Where It's Offered Becoming a Drama Therapist Expressive or creative therapies, such as drama therapy, are a unique way to deal with problems, express yourself, set goals, and gain confidence. Amongst the expressive therapies, drama therapy offers a forum for teens to try on new roles, learn new ways of relating, and express how they feel. What Is Drama Therapy? Drama therapy takes a unique approach by using drama and/or theater techniques, including improvisation, role-playing, using puppets, and acting out stories. It is an active, experiential form of creative therapy that helps teens gain self-confidence and explore new problem-solving skills. Drama therapy combines drama and psychotherapy methods to offer teens new ways to express what they are thinking or feeling in order to cope more effectively with behavioral and emotional problems. How It Works No previous experience or dramatic training is needed for a teen to participate. A registered drama therapist (RDT) facilitates this specialized type of therapy. Depending on the therapeutic goals, drama therapy can take on many forms and include a range of techniques, including: Drama exercisesEnactmentImprovisationsPuppetryRole playStorytellingTheater games Here's an example: If you're having a significant conflict with a sibling, you may be asked to role-play a scene in which you pretend to be your sibling and speak from their perspective. In a group setting, each teen acts out a role they take in the group, such as someone who exhibits leadership or someone who is scapegoated by others. Benefits Drama therapy has been found effective in the general population as well as among the following: Abuse survivorsAt-risk youthDevelopmentally disabled personsDysfunctional familiesHomeless personsOlder adultsPeople with AIDSPeople with behavioral health issuesPeople recovering from addictionPrison inmates Drama therapy can benefit troubled teens in many ways, including helping them to: Feel less isolatedLearn how to solve problemsExpress how they're feeling Set goalsRelate better to other peopleUnderstand themselves and their experiences more clearlyImprove self-esteem and self-worthDevelop better coping skills at home, school, and/or workBroaden the range of expression of emotionUse creativity, imagination, and play to practice reacting to difficult situationsGet to the point of addressing problems quicklyEscape from the pressures of life into the imagination for a little whileInteract with others in a safe, comfortable environment Why It Appeals to Teens Drama therapy can feel like playing for teens, as they get the chance to rehearse new ways of being or acting. Other reasons why it appeals to teens include: They get to tell their story to an audience The story details and ending can be changedActing out is encouraged as a learning toolThey learn to look at problems from a different perspective Why You Should Bring Your Teen to Therapy Drama therapy is just one form of expressive or creative therapy that can help draw on your teen's creative abilities and personal expression. Other types of expressive therapy to consider for teens include: Art therapy uses art media and the creative process to reduce stress and get in touch with your feelings.Dance therapy uses dance and movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration.Music therapy uses making music, writing songs, or listening to music to improve communication, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life.Writing therapy, also known as journal therapy, uses various writing exercises to improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Where Is Drama Therapy Offered? According to the North American Drama Therapy Association, registered drama therapists work in multiple mental health and community settings, including: Community centersEarly intervention programsGroup homesHospicesHospitalsMulticultural centersOutpatient and inpatient mental health settingsPrivate practiceRehabilitative facilitiesSchools and after-school programsSheltersWellness centers How to Become a Registered Drama Therapist To become a registered drama therapist, you'll need a master's degree in psychology or a related field, as well as coursework in drama therapy. RDTs must also go through a supervised internship, have experience in theater, and be board-certified in drama therapy. Different Degree Options Available for Therapists Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. North American Drama Therapy Association. What is drama therapy? Additional Reading Orkibi H, Feniger-schaal R. Integrative systematic review of psychodrama psychotherapy research: Trends and methodological implications. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(2):e0212575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212575