Drama Therapy (MPADT-GE)

An introduction to arts-based research methodologies and procedures designed for first-year graduate students in creative arts therapies, inter-disciplinary arts majors, educational theatre and applied psychology. Topics include the process of arts-based research, the fundamentals of art-based research design, and the use of new media technologies in research design. Course helps prepare students for the subsequent writing of their theses.

This course develops cultural awareness & responsiveness of creative arts therapists & community educators. Using embodied practice & theory, the course explores intersections of race, class, sexuality, gender, age, ability, religion, immigration, & other cultural identity markers (visible & invisible). Students examine the impact of intersections and ostracisms as practitioners on their own personal & professional lives, as well as those of clients and group participants. Competencies are taught through action methods, Theatre of the Oppressed,lecture/discussion.

This course provides students with an understanding of drama therapy in the context of aging from midlife to elderhood. It is divided into four modules in which students will be introduced to lifespan development from the lens of positive psychology; examine intersectional perspectives on aging, ageism, and their own narratives about getting older; compare and evaluate examples of drama therapy practice;and bereavement

The theory and techniques of drama therapy will be examined in relationship to the needs of individuals treated in clinical facilities such as day treatment centers and inpatient psychiatric clinics. Clinical applications will be discussed and demonstrated in class. Appropriate drama therapy theory will be discussed as it informs clinical treatment. We will visit an acute care facility and shadow a creative arts therapist. Furthermore, we will prepare and implement several workshop sessions with a chronic mentally ill adult population. We will also examine and evaluation as they related to drama therapy with clinical populations.

This course is intended to introduce students to the theory, practice and clinical applications of individual and group Developmental Transformations (DvT), an improvisational approach to drama therapy. The course will include both experiential and didactic components. Opportunities for continuing to learn about and specialize in DvT will be provided.

This course introduces students to the field of drama therapy. Students explore the history of drama therapy and its role in healing, identify core and meta processes of drama therapy, analyze applications of drama therapy in practice, and become familiar with drama therapy theory, research, and practice, which is an integral part of the Drama Therapy curriculum. Students complete an annotated bibliography and final project on how drama functions in/as therapy and participate in field training opportunities.

The practice of psychodrama and sociodrama are examined as a treatment modality for use in drama therapy. Classroom experiences include participation in the psychodramatic process, group leadership training, and the further development of the aims and principles of drama therapy.

The practice of selected projective techniques used frequently in drama therapy, such as puppetry, mask, make-up, and video. Projective techniques are demonstrated in class and examined theoretically. Applications to special and normal populations.

An examination of advanced drama therapy theory and research; new approaches that speck to the aesthetic and psychological dimensions of drama therapy. Intended for students planning research for the M.A. thesis.

This course is intended to introduce students to the theory and practice of several of the major drama therapy approaches exclusive of role method and theory, the primary approach is taught as NYU. Through both an experiential and didactic process, students will learn the major concepts and practices of developmental transformations and playback theatre and/or related approaches to drama therapy.

This course will provide students with hands-on experience facilitating action interventions in psychodrama, such as creating contracts, scene setting, training auxiliaries, the walk & talk, directing the psychodrama vignette & psychodrama with individuals. Upon completion of Psychodrama & Sociometry & Advanced Psychodrama & Sociometry, the student will have accrued sufficient hours of training to begin psychodrama practicum.

In this course, students evaluate the ethics of drama therapeutic or applied theater work across cultures and in communities across abilities, identities, mental illness and injury. Students examine and discuss topics essential for the training and education of creative arts therapists including professional responsibility, competence, confidentiality, informed consent, principles of teaching and training, responsibility to research subjects, dual relationship, use of physical contact and touch, self-disclosure, and risk management.

This course provides students with an understanding of the theories and practice of group therapy and group drama therapy. Students will examine different theoretical approaches to group work; basic principles of group dynamics, and group skills including establishing, leading, and evaluating various types of drama therapy groups. Students will develop an understanding of clinical, cultural, ethical, legal, and professional considerations in groups through lectures, readings, participation in and observing ongoing group processes.

This course explores the relationship between improvisational theatre and mental health. Students learn core principles and practices of improv and how these can inform the therapeutic process and relationship. Through reading, discussion, group improvisation, and experiential learning exercises students identify aspects of therapeutic improv that promote wellbeing such as co-creation, humor, laughter, and spontaneity. This course supports mental health providers and students with taking creative risks to achieve personal goals and improve mental health.

This course will examine the ways in which drama therapy is utilized in K-12 school settings within the private and public education system in the US. Students will investigate historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural frameworks that shape educational systems, particularly in NYC. The course will examine differentiated drama therapy interventions that support all students with varied and intersecting differences in ability, age, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, linguistic competencies, sexual orientation, learning styles, and legal status.

Course introduces students to the theory & practice of role theory & role method in drama therapy. Course provides an overview of sociological & theatrical theory as source material for drama therapy role theory and students will study & analyze the Taxonomy of Roles. Students will be introduced to the clinical applications of role method in working with a range of challenging conditions based in mental status, cognition, socioeconomic conditions & life stressors. In addition, students will be exposed to the extant research literature on role theory & method in the field of drama therapy.

This course provides students with a foundation in assessment in drama therapy and psychodrama. Assessment in this context includes the use of all forms of dramatic media such as improvisation, role-playing, storytelling, masks and puppets to gain knowledge and understanding of the people who drama therapists work with in order to write and facilitate a treatment or program plan in clinical and community settings.

This seminar supports students in developing, researching and writing their Master’s thesis. The purpose of the Master’s thesis is to facilitate the integration of theory and practice in drama therapy and to provide a foundation from which students are able to articulate their interests in the field. This seminar was designed to clarify the scope, options, and timeline associated with the thesis project and to facilitate successful completion.

This course is designed for non-majors as an introduction to the basic concepts, theory & practice of drama therapy. The course will use experiential learning to familiarize students with drama therapy as an embodied & narrative approach to therapy & as a diagnostic & intervention tool. Course is appropriate for students in the other creative arts therapies, social work, applied psychology interested in enhancing clinical skills & for students in educational theater wishing to examine the boundaries between applied dramatic art & therapy.

This seminar will introduce students to the emerging practice of tele-drama therapy. Students will discuss ethical and technological considerations in the context of tele- mental health. Students will examine and gain practice with tele-drama therapy approaches and consider applications with individuals and groups. Students will discuss implications of artificial intelligence for practice.

It should be noted that independent study requires a minimum of 45 hours of work per point. Independent study cannot be applied to the established professional education sequence in teaching curricula. Each departmental program has established its own maximum credit allowance for independent study. This information may be obtained from a student?s department. Prior to registering for independent study, each student should obtain an Independent Study Approval Form from the adviser.

This course prepares students to engage in the process of clinical internship. In this practicum course students will synthesizes their clinical readings from the lecture portion of Internship in Drama Therapy with on-site internship experience. This processing will occur through the use of action methods like role-playing, projective techniques, and psychodramatic techniques as well as conversation/reflection to explore relevant issues in the treatment process. The internship will occur at two different clinical settings but not limit to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, special education facilities, prisons, day treatment programs, and acute care facilities. Students work with on-site supervisors with whom they meet regularly, and a classroom teacher who guides them through a range of clinical issues including transference and contrertransference, parallel process, diagnosis and evaluation, and professional orientation and ethic in the profession of drama therapy.

This course prepares students to engage in the process of clinical internship. In this lecture course students will receive an overview of issues relevant to clinical internship practice including but not limited to: OSHA, HIPAA, and NY State Child Abuse and Mandated Reporting materials; Ethics; Professional Identity; Interventions and Procedures for Suicidal and Homicidal behaviors, Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse and Dependency; Overview of theoretical and drama therapeutic interventions relating to child and adolescent development, mental illness, dementia and aging. Strategies for Termination.