Combining historical, socio-cultural and autoethnographic accounts from a range of different practitioners, this book explores the various roles that drama as therapy plays globally in education, in healthcare, in community settings and more .

Across the world, there are thriving networks of practitioners whose work draws on dramatherapy (or drama therapy) – the intentional use of drama and theatrical practices as a tool for therapeutic change. This volume documents, describes and celebrates contemporary praxes of dramatherapy.

Focusing on the experiences of individual practitioners situated in 6 different continents, the book features accounts of practice from over 15 countries, ranging from Argentina, to South Africa, India and Japan, besides many others. Each chapter offers an overview of the history of dramatherapy as a practice in that country, as well as reflections on the current social and institutional priorities in each cultural environment. Each writer provides a snapshot of the reality of practising as a dramatherapist in each locality, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities facing the field, through discussion, case studies and practical examples of how dramatherapy tools have been adapted to meet cultural demands.

Mike Clarke is a PhD candidate at the University of Kent, UK. He is a Sesame-trained dramatherapist with experience of working with both adults and children. He currently manages the South East Autism Support Programme across Kent and Medway.

Anshuma Kshetrapal is a practicing Drama and Movement Therapist and founder of COGC and Co-Founder of TATC. She is President of the Indian Association of Dance Movement Therapy and Vice-President of Drama Therapy India. She is an educator and course director for multiple arts therapy courses across India.