Applied Psychology - Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling

Faculty and Staff

Master’s Program in Dance/Movement Therapy - Applied Psychology - Antioch University New England

Alternate Route Drama Therapy Training

Antioch University New England is pleased to offer Alternate Route Drama Therapy training, following National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) Alternative Training guidelines, for students enrolled in the Master’s Program in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. Students may now acquire from ANE up to 84% of credits required for NADT Alternative Training toward certification as a registered drama therapist. They may utilize internship hours from their second and third year Antioch internships toward drama therapy internship hours.

“Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is active and experiential. ”

Antioch will also offer three-day drama therapy intensives to allow students to accrue additional hours, and the drama therapy advisor will collaborate with them to assure that the remainder of credits and requirements are met. This new offering is supervised by Kim Burden, LCMHC, ADTR, RDT/BCT, CP, LCAT, adjunct faculty and drama therapy advisor at Antioch University New England.

What is Drama Therapy?

Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis.

Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. Participants can expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened. Behavior change, skill-building, emotional and physical integration, and personal growth can be achieved through drama therapy in prevention, intervention, and treatment settings. The theoretical foundation of drama therapy lies in drama, theater, psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology, play, and interactive and creative processes.

Who should apply?

Any potential student who has a passion for theater, a background in performance, technical, or management aspects of theater is a good match for this program. If you are trying to decide between training in dance/movement therapy or drama therapy, you can achieve both goals by attending this program. What are the pre-requisites? Any student with a desire to integrate theater, movement, and personal growth in their career is eligible. For registry as a drama therapist, the following basic criteria must be met:

A master’s degree in an academic area related to drama therapy (this requirement is met by the MA in dance/movement therapy from Antioch)
800 hours of internship, divided between two populations
500 hours of professional theater training and experience (university, community, and professional theater hours count)
1000 hours of paid drama therapy experience

Attending the Antioch University New England MA Program in Dance/Movement Therapy, with mentorship by the Drama Therapy advisor, fulfills most of the credits required. Antioch will offer special intensives that students may attend to attain the additional required credits and will maintain an active list of regional and national workshops that students may attend for credit.

What is Alternative Training?

The Alternative Training Program was created to provide a means for individuals outside the NADT-approved graduate programs in drama therapy to satisfy the educational requirements for the RDT (Registered Drama Therapist). Basic eligibility requirements and additional training/work experience still must be met. Alternative training permits individuals to creatively design an individualized learning program that credits related work experience and training opportunities. This training is offered through accredited academic institutions, institutes, and conferences and workshops run by RDT/BCTs [Board Certified Trainer]. Additional hours may also be earned through clinical supervision by a licensed and knowledgeable supervisor or physician and/or registered creative arts or mental health/special education professional. Alternative training hours must be earned with more than one RDT/BCT and supervised by at least two different RDTs (or an RDT and a licensed professional in the field.)

How can I learn more about drama therapy?

You may email Kim Burden, Drama Therapy advisor or write, call or email the National Association for Drama Therapy:

NADT
15 Post Side Lane
Pittsford, NY 14534
Email for general questions: answers@nadt.org
Email the office: nadt.office@nadt.org
Phone: 585.381.5618
Fax: 585.383.1474

Last Updated: 7/15/08