M.A.-C.P. in Drama Therapy

Our Approach

The Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy is a Board of Behavioral Sciences-approved program taught in person. As one of the first two approved Drama Therapy graduate programs in the US, we have long been investigating the dynamic and multifaceted integration of theatre and therapy. The program integrates experiential, theoretical, and clinical courses in a curriculum designed to train students to become skillful, ethical, and culturally attuned drama therapists. Small classes within a cohort model support personal development and offer a sense of kinship and community. Central models and methods in the field of Drama Therapy (including the Integrative Five Phase Model of Drama Therapy, Developmental Transformations, and Role Method) are studied. Students are also exposed to Playback Theatre, Self-Revelatory Performance, Psychodrama, and the larger field of Creative Arts Therapy. Our courses dive into the intricacies of relevant clinical issues (such as distinguishing compulsive and constructive reenactment, therapeutic direction of improvisational enactment, creative responses to resistance, and use and misuse of psychodramatic tools). We believe that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and fun — and we incorporate dramatic methods to enliven teaching even in our more didactic courses.

CIIS’ Drama Therapy program is approved through the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA), leading our graduates to be eligible to pursue the RDT (Registered Drama Therapist) credential.

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Career Paths

Our graduates are equipped to work with groups, individuals, families, couples, and communities, as well as with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults, and seniors). Graduates of the Drama Therapy program work in:

Clinical settings:

• Working with children, adolescents, and adults
• Community mental health and psychiatric facilities
• Private practice
• Clinics offering services for PTSD, eating disorders, domestic violence, substance abuse recovery, LGBTQ youth, etc.

Nonclinical settings:

• Schools (typically through school counseling programs)
• Prisons
• Corporations (where graduates may works as consultants, for example facilitating action-oriented trainings on anti-racism), or as directors of Playback Theatre or Self-Revelatory Performances
• Higher education (as faculty)

Curriculum

During the first year, students receive a theoretical foundation in the field of drama therapy; experience in-depth action-oriented courses; practice the skills of a drama therapist through role play; and engage in 45 hours of pre-practicum field study. During the second year, students typically begin a clinical practicum while continuing to take required courses. The program concludes with an integrative seminar and capstone project, which is an opportunity to integrate accumulated learning with specific areas of personal and academic interest. Students select one of the following capstone project options:

• Self-Revelatory Performance (performed in a theater)
• A quality research or theoretical paper (designed for publication)
• Therapeutic theater performance directed by the student
• Video documentary of clinical drama therapy work that the student has facilitated over time

Personal Therapy Requirement

Students are required to complete 50 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional and/or registered drama therapist.

Curriculum Highlights

PDT-5501 Drama Therapy Theory (3 units) An exploration of the theoretical foundations of drama therapy, as well as an examination of its major theorists, approaches, and core constructs such as play, role, ritual, improvisation, embodiment, projection, and aesthetic distance. Students study the interface of drama therapy with social justice work and other forms of psychotherapy, as well as variations of approaches used with diverse populations and their presenting challenges. 

PDT-5602 Drama Therapy Process and Technique (3 units) An experiential course demonstrating the process and progression of a drama therapy series from the establishment of a playful, creative environment to the development of in-depth personal and interpersonal work. Students experience Renee Emunah's Integrative Five Phase Model of Drama Therapy and are introduced to self-revelatory performance.

PDT-6604 Drama Therapy and Social Change (2 units) An exploration of the transformative power of drama therapy in the social context, and of the role of the drama therapist as an agent of social change and justice. Four approaches are examined - the Acts of Reconciliation Project, Sociodrama, Theatre of the Oppressed, and World Work - with focus on how change occurs in groups, organizations, and nations.

Entry Requirements

If you would like to learn more about this program, we’re here to help. Explore our program further with in-depth materials, discuss your personal and career goals at one of our open houses, or get in touch with our admissions counselors, who are ready to assist you in navigating the application process.

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Required Application Materials

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the nonrefundable $68 application fee.

Degree Requirement: An undergraduate degree (B.A., B.S., or B.F.A.) from an accredited college or university.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is typically required. A GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant. CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team to discuss their options.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES); CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Autobiographical Statement: A four to six-page introspective essay in which you reflect on significant childhood and adult life experiences that have impacted your personal and psychological development.

Goal Statement: A one-page statement of your professional interests, goals, or passions.

Two Letters of Recommendation: From academic advisors, professors or professional supervisors. Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information: name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

Background Outline: A one-page outline specifically listing your background/experience (if any) in: (1) theatre/drama (2) psychology (3) human services/counseling work, and (4) creative arts therapy. If you hold a degree in any of these areas, you can simply indicate that (for example, BFA in Theatre). For all other areas, list any courses, internships, or work experience pertinent to that category (or indicate "none").

Interview: Individual and group interviews by invitation from the program.

Candidate Selection

CIIS' Drama Therapy program attracts creative, motivated, and mature students who have already demonstrated a strong interest in the integration of theatre and therapy. Integrity, introspection, and dedication are essential attributes. Our students come to the program from around the world. Applicants must have a background in drama/theatre. A minimum of two undergraduate psychology courses, and volunteer or paid work experience in human services are strongly recommended. 

Our program encourages and embraces diversity and places a high value on having students from a variety of racial and cultural backgrounds; other representations of diversity (including age range and nationality) are also important to us. We look at each applicant holistically. If you feel passionate about this field, we welcome your application.

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