You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification in dramatherapy, accredited by the British Association of Dramatherapists.

To apply for the postgraduate course, you'll need a degree in a subject like drama, creative therapies or psychology.

You might also be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, like occupational therapy, nursing or social work.

Work experience

You'll be expected to have practical drama experience.

You'll also be expected to have paid or voluntary experience in helping people to deal with issues like mental health.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You might be able to do an Arts Therapist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• a degree in a relevant subject

You'll find it useful to have paid or voluntary work experience.

You could work:

• in the community on drama projects
• in youth work
• with people with disabilities or mental health issues

You can get practical experience by volunteering in the NHS.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of the fine arts
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a dramatherapist, you could:

• help clients use their creativity to increase their self confidence
• use voice, movement, storytelling, mime, puppets or masks
• support clients to express what they feel and act out situations in a safe environment
• encourage clients to work as a group and to form one to one relationships
• work closely with psychologists, social workers, teachers and other therapy specialists

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at an adult care home, at a school or in a prison.