How I work

What is Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy is a form of Psychotherapy, I trained through the lens of Jungian psychology therefore have a particular interest in the unconscious and shadow aspects of ourselves.

Dramatherapists are both clinicians and artists that draw on their knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium that may include drama/ role play, story-making, movement, and art.When meeting and working with clients I strive to focus on my humanity first, rather than my role as a therapist. Reminding myself that I am human and not an “expert” of something, allows me to remain humble and connected to the many human experiences I support in my therapy space. I am perhaps the right therapist for you if you are curious about yourself, therefore I will hold the space safely for silence, but endeavour to guide you with good questions.  I consider our time together an evolving conversation.If you would like to find out if we might work well together, I invite you to come for an initial session. This is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for me to hear the beginning of your story. After this initial session you can decide if you would like to continue working with me and we will book a series of sessions.I work with many creatives and professionals from different sectors, some in different countries within my work at Self Space and in my private practice who, due to their location and work commitments, are not able to attend regular weekly or fortnightly sessions. I am open to creating a plan of sessions that works for you and which supports the therapeutic journey.

Areas of particular interest and experience
As an experienced Therapist I work 1:1, however I also enjoy facilitating groups.  I co-facilitate therapist-led workshops and talks about mental health, mental maintenance and therapeutic focused tools for decompression.  I do this alongside my 1:1 therapy work at Self Space, a contemporary mental health service.

As well as grief and bereavement work, I have experience and interests in supporting clients with anxiety disorders, depression, work stress, existential questions, parenting and relationship issues.

As movement is such a huge part of my work, I hold a deep invested interest and knowledge in chakras and how energy is stored and released in our bodies. I believe the body keeps the score in all of our lives and in our experiences, therefore I can and do work energetically in the therapy room through breath work, sound and physical movement if it feels supportive to the client.
In 2022 I completed a three month training in the 7 main chakras from the College of Psychic Studies.

Qualificatoins

I am fully qualified and accredited member of The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC – AS15508)  Also a full member of The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth).

I have a Masters in Dramatherapy from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Here I trained for 2 years as a Drama and Movement Therapist, an arts based psychotherapy rooted in Jungian psychology.

As a therapist, my work has included working with people from primary age through to the elderly and end of life care. I’ve supported:

• Children with behavioural and emotional needs, and their parents
• NHS work with adults with severe mental health difficulties
• Palliative care unit in St Christopher’s Hospice
• Children and young adults and their families with loss and bereavement working in mainstream and specialist schools.
• Drama facilitator with young adults with learning disabilities.

This experience honed my interest and focused my work within grief and bereavement and led me to undertake an additional therapist training for six months with the charity Grief Encounter.  I received a diploma from their postgraduate programme ‘Good Grief’, which is accredited by Middlesex University.

I am currently a Dramatherapist and Grief Therapist at Self Space, a contemporary mental health service here in London.  I have been a part of this dynamic company and community  since its inception in 2017.

It is important to me to be visible and accountable for my work. I am in regular supervision and in therapy. I continue to develop my personal and professional skills through peer supervision, CPD and other courses.

Before training as a Dramatherapist I trained as an actress and worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 10 years. I have worked extensively within schools and colleges promoting theatre in education.

Fees

An introductory call is 50 mins and free of charge.
After that, therapy sessions are £75 per 50 min session

Getting in touch

You are welcome to email me which is the best way to contact me for further information or to arrange a time for a free introductory session to discuss your needs.

Email:  lauramaindramatherapy@gmail.com