Drama Therapy

Born and raised in Nashville’s performing arts culture, I’ve found that storytelling has the power to make meaningful change. According to the North American Drama Therapy Association (2020), “Drama Therapy is an active, experiential approach to facilitating change. Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationships, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world.” Drama Therapy uses play, embodiment, projection, role, story, metaphor, empathy, distancing, witnessing, performance, and improvisation. Theatre provides a non-competitive sense of authenticity- an unveiling of masks amongst group members. This integration of authenticity and vulnerability is exactly why drama therapy can be an effective method for improving our mental health and wellbeing. 

 

Having received my master’s in Drama Therapy at Kansas State University and Registration in Drama Therapy from the North American Drama Therapy Association, I am passionate about bringing therapy beyond the office and into the community through facilitating drama therapy groups in the Chattanooga area. My work often includes collaboration with local organizations such as Navigate U Network and the Chattanooga Theatre Center, where I help create neurodivergent-affirming spaces for adolescents and young adults to build confidence, communication skills, and emotional insight. By blending therapeutic principles with performance-based and expressive techniques, these groups offer participants a unique way to explore identity, relationships, and personal growth in a supportive and engaging environment. 

 

If interested in collaborating or participating in a drama therapy group, please contact me for more information.