If you like to find out more or would like to work with me please contact [email protected]
What is dramatherapy?
Dramatherapy has as its main focus the intentional use of healing aspects of drama and theatre as the therapeutic process. It is a method of working and playing that uses action methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth. Dramatherapy is a form of Psychotherapy. Dramatherapists are both clinicians and artists that draw on their knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium for psychological therapy that may include drama, story-making, music, movement, and art; to work with any issue that has presented itself.
The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth)
The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth)
HOW DRAMATHERAPY CAN HELP
Dramatherapy is very inclusive and is able to meet with the needs of most client groups across ages, cultural or social differences, including physical and learning ability. Dramatherapy can be undertaken with others who share similar issues in small groups, or on a one to one basis with individuals, within organisations and institutions. Dramatherapy is a contained, active, collaborative, process of discovery and change whereby the therapist supports clients by actively listening, and responding with creative invitations. Dramatherapists work with creative activities, embodied experiences, and theatre practices to help their clients re-imagine, work-through and make changes in their lives.
It is not necessary to have any experience of theatre or acting to benefit from Dramatherapy and it can be helpful if you find ‘talk’ somehow limiting or challenging. Dramatherapists can support the therapeutic process by offering creative ways to explore any issue that you may wish to engage with, be it emotional, physical, educational, cultural, or otherwise.
It is not necessary to have any experience of theatre or acting to benefit from Dramatherapy and it can be helpful if you find ‘talk’ somehow limiting or challenging. Dramatherapists can support the therapeutic process by offering creative ways to explore any issue that you may wish to engage with, be it emotional, physical, educational, cultural, or otherwise.
about me
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Drama and Two Master's Degree in Contemporary Theatre and in Dramatherapy. I qualified with a distinction in Dramatherapy from The University of Derby. I am a member of British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) and registered with Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC). I specialise in working with children and young people in particular those that have experienced trauma. I have 17 years of experience working with children, young people and adults in a variety of educational, community and professional organisations. I am passionate about creating value in my community using the therapeutic tools of theatre to inspire and make a fundamental difference to every individual.
I believe therapy has the potential to change lives and should be accessible for everyone regardless of background. All my work is underpinned by the belief that everyone is valuable, unique and has something to contribute. My main passion is for each person to be able to express themselves and to feel good about who they are, always offering a choice and ownership throughout the work together. I aim to empower every person I work with to develop this belief within themselves regardless of their past or current circumstances.
I believe therapy has the potential to change lives and should be accessible for everyone regardless of background. All my work is underpinned by the belief that everyone is valuable, unique and has something to contribute. My main passion is for each person to be able to express themselves and to feel good about who they are, always offering a choice and ownership throughout the work together. I aim to empower every person I work with to develop this belief within themselves regardless of their past or current circumstances.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Everyone can benefit from the creativity Dramatherapy offers. I can offer Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults with a variety of presenting needs. Sessions are usually 60 minutes for individuals or 1.5 - 2 hours for groups and can be delivered either face to face at The Treatment Space in Hope Valley or online depending on the needs of each client. A full referral and assessment process will be undertaken. I have extensive experience with the following client groups trauma, abuse, shame, mental health difficulties, self harm, autism, behavioural and learning difficulty, attachment disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem, shame, grief and care experienced young people.
I can also offer bespoke trauma informed consultations, workshops and related trainings to organisations, charities and schools based on Dramatherapy, Attachment, Complex trauma, emotional dsyregulation and therapeutic parenting all of which adopt a PACE therapeutic model to enable children and young people to overcome trauma and thrive into adulthood.
I can also offer bespoke trauma informed consultations, workshops and related trainings to organisations, charities and schools based on Dramatherapy, Attachment, Complex trauma, emotional dsyregulation and therapeutic parenting all of which adopt a PACE therapeutic model to enable children and young people to overcome trauma and thrive into adulthood.
If you like to find out more or would like to work with me please contact [email protected]
discover more about my WORK as a dramatherapist by clicking below
Previous work
2022 - ongoing
Regional Clinician - Dramatherapist
Esland Care, Peak District UK
- To provide regular, expert clinical guidance to the teams of staff who look after children and young people in Esland Care’s foster homes. To provide therapeutic input to young people within Esland Care’s residential and education services and provide specialist expertise in the assessment and treatment of young people presenting with trauma and attachment-based difficulties.
- Delivering face-to-face individual Dramatherapy sessions long term for children, young people living in Esland residential care homes. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with all professionals, families and carers.
2007 - ongoing
Dramatherapist & Theatre Maker (Children, young people and Adults)
Whaley Bridge & Hope Valley, Peak District, UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
- Devising and performing in theatre performances both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other companies and artists
- Teaching creative workshops to children, adults and individuals with support needs in a variety of organisations.
2020 - 2021
Dramatherapist (children, young people and adults)
Haven, Children's Charity for families who have experienced Domestic Abuse, Sheffield UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Delivering individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
2020
Dramatherapist (children and young people)
Sheffield Inclusion Centre, Sheffield UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
Regional Clinician - Dramatherapist
Esland Care, Peak District UK
- To provide regular, expert clinical guidance to the teams of staff who look after children and young people in Esland Care’s foster homes. To provide therapeutic input to young people within Esland Care’s residential and education services and provide specialist expertise in the assessment and treatment of young people presenting with trauma and attachment-based difficulties.
- Delivering face-to-face individual Dramatherapy sessions long term for children, young people living in Esland residential care homes. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with all professionals, families and carers.
2007 - ongoing
Dramatherapist & Theatre Maker (Children, young people and Adults)
Whaley Bridge & Hope Valley, Peak District, UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
- Devising and performing in theatre performances both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other companies and artists
- Teaching creative workshops to children, adults and individuals with support needs in a variety of organisations.
2020 - 2021
Dramatherapist (children, young people and adults)
Haven, Children's Charity for families who have experienced Domestic Abuse, Sheffield UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Delivering individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
2020
Dramatherapist (children and young people)
Sheffield Inclusion Centre, Sheffield UK
- Delivering face-to-face and online individual and group Dramatherapy sessions for children, young people and adults in a variety of organisation. Dramatherapy sessions take place following full referral, assessments and evaluation process including liaising with families.
Feedback
'I find the Dramatherapy sessions really useful to explore how I feel and enjoy the games and activities we do. I like that it is my session for nobody else but me and it makes me feel safe to know I am not being judged.'
Young person, Dramatherapy Individual client, Peak District 2022
'I just wanted to give you feedback on how great she was. I found her very child focused but also looked after the team too, we are excited to start our journey with her' Registered Homes Manager, Esland Care, Peak District & Yorkshire 2022
'Dramatherapy feels like home. You are like a parent we don't live with.'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'The group is safe to share how we feel without judgement'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'I don't enjoy things normally but I enjoy this. You hear and listen to what I say'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'I liked delving into the story to understand myself more'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has shown true commitment, dedication and passion within the Dramatherapy sessions she has delivered through her own work ethos and is a valued member of Haven’s team.
Haven, Sheffield 2020
Lauren has continued to facilitate creative, child led and trauma informed Dramatherapy sessions and has shown that she is able to apply formal theory effectively in intervention.
Haven, Sheffield 2020
Lauren is able to identify the needs of all the children and young people she has worked with, with a sensitive attitude, empathy and compassion, seeing beyond their obvious needs and using this knowledge to support their recovery within her practice. The high standard of working has been reflected in the incredibly positive feedback she has received from the children and young people she has worked with and others around them (including parents and professionals) that have witnessed the positive impact Dramatherapy has had.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has delivered a virtual group online with confidence, high energy and awareness, motivating teenage girls to communicate with each other in a safe space, while managing their emotions, the group dynamics and other risk factors without them in the room together. This group has been a huge success and is testament to Lauren’s ability to engage children and young people through her creativity, willingness to support and show empathy, interact well and create a space that is safe for them to attend and want to return to. This is reflected is all the work Lauren has done at Haven so far.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has delivered a diverse range of groups, which have all been incredibly successful and beneficial for all involved. She has continued to demonstrate that she is able to assess the group’s needs and create a safe and supportive space in settings which include schools, community venues, refuge and online. Each group has received fantastic feedback both the participants and those who have seen the positive impact of the work that she has delivered including teachers, parents and social workers.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
On numerous occasions during Lauren’s group work delivery, Lauren has been asked by both clients and those involved supporting the clients to continue the work due to its success.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
Young person, Dramatherapy Individual client, Peak District 2022
'I just wanted to give you feedback on how great she was. I found her very child focused but also looked after the team too, we are excited to start our journey with her' Registered Homes Manager, Esland Care, Peak District & Yorkshire 2022
'Dramatherapy feels like home. You are like a parent we don't live with.'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'The group is safe to share how we feel without judgement'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'I don't enjoy things normally but I enjoy this. You hear and listen to what I say'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
'I liked delving into the story to understand myself more'
Young person, Dramatherapy group sessions, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has shown true commitment, dedication and passion within the Dramatherapy sessions she has delivered through her own work ethos and is a valued member of Haven’s team.
Haven, Sheffield 2020
Lauren has continued to facilitate creative, child led and trauma informed Dramatherapy sessions and has shown that she is able to apply formal theory effectively in intervention.
Haven, Sheffield 2020
Lauren is able to identify the needs of all the children and young people she has worked with, with a sensitive attitude, empathy and compassion, seeing beyond their obvious needs and using this knowledge to support their recovery within her practice. The high standard of working has been reflected in the incredibly positive feedback she has received from the children and young people she has worked with and others around them (including parents and professionals) that have witnessed the positive impact Dramatherapy has had.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has delivered a virtual group online with confidence, high energy and awareness, motivating teenage girls to communicate with each other in a safe space, while managing their emotions, the group dynamics and other risk factors without them in the room together. This group has been a huge success and is testament to Lauren’s ability to engage children and young people through her creativity, willingness to support and show empathy, interact well and create a space that is safe for them to attend and want to return to. This is reflected is all the work Lauren has done at Haven so far.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
Lauren has delivered a diverse range of groups, which have all been incredibly successful and beneficial for all involved. She has continued to demonstrate that she is able to assess the group’s needs and create a safe and supportive space in settings which include schools, community venues, refuge and online. Each group has received fantastic feedback both the participants and those who have seen the positive impact of the work that she has delivered including teachers, parents and social workers.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
On numerous occasions during Lauren’s group work delivery, Lauren has been asked by both clients and those involved supporting the clients to continue the work due to its success.
Haven, Sheffield 2021
