FAQ
- Do I have to be good at drama?
- What are the benefits of dramatherapy?
- How long will the dramatherapy last?
- Is dramatherapy confidential?
- Where are you based?
- People often say dramatherapy is an indirect approach, what does that mean?
- What is the difference between Sesame dramatherapy and psychodrama?
- How much does a session cost?
- I would like dramatherapy at my institution, what facilities are needed?
- Can you recommend books on dramatherapy?
- Dramatherapy students: do you provide work experience?
1. Do I have to be good at drama?
The simple answer to this is no, no previous experience of drama is necessary. Dramatherapy uses creativity and imagination at a pace appropriate to the needs of the group or individual. Focus is given to each person's right to choose, therefore individuals can do as much or as little as they want.
2. What are the benefits of dramatherapy?
There are many benefits of dramatherapy, some of which can be:
- Increased self-esteem, confidence and self-acceptance
- Greater ability to relate to others
- A more spontaneous and creative outlook
- Increased body- and self-awareness
- Greater ability to process and contain emotions
For more about what others say about Sesame dramatherapy please see the testimonials page.
3. How long will the dramatherapy last?
Each therapy session lasts 1 hour (special needs work can be between 30-45 minutes depending on client need).
The length of the session will be set by mutual agreement.
4. Is dramatherapy confidential?
Yes, any information shared is strictly confidential.
5. Where are you based?
North London: Muswell Hill, N10
6. People often say dramatherapy is an indirect approach, what does that mean?
When we describe our feelings we often use sayings such as: "I am carrying a heavy weight on my shoulders", " I feel I am in a dark place", "I can't see the wood for the trees", "I feel stuck". It is usual within our everyday speech to use vivid images to describe how we feel. Dramatherapy uses this natural imagination to help each individual explore their feelings further. The dramatic distance (or fiction/non-reality) aspect of dramatherapy can help an individual feel less overwhelmed by their emotions, while still being able to acknowledge them, it can also unlock feelings and help in coming to terms with memories.
7. What is the difference between Sesame dramatherapy and psychodrama?
The UK association for psychodrama states that psychodrama is where "Issues or problems and their possible solutions are enacted rather than just talked about." (psychodrama.org.uk). This means that events from your life experience are acted out by you and the therapist, and possibly also other members of a theraputic group. Sesame is (as stated above in point 6) more indirect than psychodrama. While issues can be explored directly, it mainly offers the creative artform (using images, story etc.) as a way of exploring and journeying through feelings and memories. It is from these imaginative experiences that verbal reflections can then be shared or linked to thoughts and feelings.
8. How much does dramatherapy cost?
Private practice sessions:
A first introductory session is £40, or £30 for students.
Thereafter sessions are priced on a sliding scale from £40-50 depending on affordability and availability of sessions.
A few reduced cost places are available, please enquire.
Work through institutions:
Please enquire for half and full day rates or one off sessions, including training sessions.
9. I would like dramatherapy at my institution, what facilities are needed?
A reliable, consistent, private space is required on a weekly basis. Parental consent is required for minors.
10. Can you recommend books on dramatherapy?
Discovering the Self through Drama and Movement, The Sesame Approach, ed. Jenny Pearson, 1996
Bring White Beads When You Call on the Healer, Marian Lindkvist, 1998
For further recommendations please see: http://www.badth.org.uk/faqs/index.html#q8
11. Dramatherapy students: do you provide work experience?
No. I receive a lot of requests for work experience, but due to the confidential nature of my work I do not provide any opportunities for this. If you would like any further information on studying dramatherapy please see my links page where you can contact the Sesame Institute or BADth, both of whom can provide you with very helpful information.
Thereafter sessions are priced on a sliding scale from £40-50 depending on affordability and the availablity of sessions.