Number 27 in our countdown of '70 Ways Art Improves Our Health' highlights the benefits of dramatherapy for people with mental health problems...

Like art therapy, dramatherapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art techniques in the therapeutic process. Dramatherapy uses theatre techniques and is designed to help people better understand and process their difficult feelings or experiences.

Dramatherapy sessions offer a space to express feelings through storytelling, puppetry, music and roleplay. It can have many benefits for people with a range of mental health conditions including depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder.

In the same way as art therapy, dramatherapy is a serious mental health profession. Dramatherapists must also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and have successfully completed an approved postgraduate qualification in dramatherapy.

There's growing evidence about the benefits of dramatherapy particularly in helping those with mental health problems. Research in 2007 found that taking part in arts and drama therapies provided significant improvements in self-esteem, communication skills and social interaction.

There’s no need to have any experience in acting or theatre to take part in dramatherapy. The aim isn't to perform but to explore experiences and come to terms with difficulties in a playful and creative safe space.

You can find out more about dramatherapy via the British Association of Dramatherapists.

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