Questions
Common questions about Drama Therapy
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Answers
What is Drama Therapy?
Drama Therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy that draws on drama, creativity, imagination and embodied experience to support exploration, expression and change. Rather than relying on conversation alone, Drama Therapy can work through story, movement, role, imagery, objects, play and creative making – offering different ways of approaching experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Do I need to be good at art or acting?
No. Drama Therapy is not about performance or artistic ability. You don't need any previous experience with drama, art or creative practice. The creative processes are simply tools for exploration. There is nothing to get right, and nothing you make needs to be performed or judged.
Who is Drama Therapy for?
The Play Way works with children from age six, adolescents and adults. Creative therapeutic work may be helpful for people experiencing emotional overwhelm or anxiety, the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences, challenges within relationships, questions around identity or life transitions, difficulty expressing experiences in words, or a desire for deeper self-understanding. Whether Drama Therapy is a good fit depends on the person, their circumstances and what they are looking for.
What happens in a session?
Sessions are shaped around the needs, intentions and readiness of each person or group. Some sessions may centre on reflective conversation, while others invite creative or embodied exploration through storytelling, movement, role exploration, art-making, imagery, metaphor, play or working with objects and symbols. Creative exploration may be followed by reflection and conversation, connecting what emerges in the session with personal experience, relationships and everyday life.
Where is The Play Way based?
The Play Way is based in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. The exact practice location is provided when your appointment is arranged. Workshops, groups and tailored programmes may also be offered at schools, organisations and community settings.
Is Kathryn registered?
Yes. Kathryn holds a Master's degree in Drama Therapy and is registered as an Arts Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Her experience includes work across psychiatric, educational and community settings, with children, adolescents and adults.
What does it cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of work. Individual therapy currently ranges from R650–R700 per session, depending on age. Relational therapy is R1 200 per session. Group offerings have their own fees, which are listed alongside each offering and on the calendar. You can find the full fee structure and cancellation policy on the fees page.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people may come for a single creative experience or workshop, while individual or relational therapy may continue over a longer period. The shape and pace of therapeutic work are considered collaboratively, based on what you are looking for and what feels appropriate as the work develops.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality and privacy are important parts of therapeutic work at The Play Way. Information shared in therapy is treated as confidential and is not shared unnecessarily. There are, however, professional and legal circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be limited, which will be explained as part of the therapeutic process. Any personal stories, images or reflections shared publicly by The Play Way are only used with appropriate consent.
Do you work with children?
Yes. Individual therapy is available for children from age six and adolescents, and The Play Way also offers age-specific group experiences. Children often communicate through play, imagination, movement and making alongside words. Creative approaches can therefore offer meaningful ways for children to express, explore and make sense of their experiences. For children and adolescents, a parent or guardian is involved in the therapeutic process as appropriate to the child's age, needs and circumstances.
Do you work with couples?
Yes. Relational therapy is available for partners, parent–child relationships, and other significant relationships. The work can explore patterns of connection, communication, trust and conflict, creating space to understand what happens within the relationship and consider new ways of relating. For adult relational work, all forms of partnership are welcome.
How do I start?
If you're interested in individual or relational therapy, you can begin by sending an enquiry through the website. Share a little about what brings you here, and Kathryn will respond personally and suggest a suitable starting point. Workshops and groups with open dates can be booked or registered for directly through the calendar.
Still deciding?
You don't need to have everything figured out before you get in touch.
You're welcome to send an enquiry without committing to anything. Share as much or as little as feels comfortable, and we'll take it from there.
