Drama Therapy Exercises Handout

Drama-based activities are therapeutic exercises that use elements of theater, such as role-playing, storytelling, improvisation, and body language exploration, to help individuals express emotions, develop social skills, and process personal experiences. Some would consider dance therapy a drama-based activity as it is a very expressive art form.

The nine core principles of drama therapy include role-playing, embodiment, storytelling, improvisation, dramatic projection, active witnessing, empathy building, aesthetic distancing, and reflection. These principles guide drama therapists in using theater techniques to support psychological healing and personal growth.

A drama therapist uses drama and theater techniques to help clients explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and improve their well-being. They create a safe, controlled environment for self-expression, guide clients through activities, and facilitate discussions to support healing and personal development.