Dramatherapists in the UK: What Dramatherapy Is and How to Find One
In short: dramatherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses drama, story-making, embodiment and movement to help you explore feelings and experiences safely. Dramatherapists train at master’s level, and the title is protected, so check the HCPC register. BADth has a finder.
This guide explains what dramatherapy involves, who it can help, how to check registration, and NHS, school and private routes. General information only, not personal advice.
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Please read. This is general information, not medical advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy and we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner. Details were checked on the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth), HCPC and GOV.UK websites on 22 October 2026. If you need help urgently, see the box at the end of this page.
What Dramatherapy Is
BADth describes dramatherapy as a form of psychotherapy. Dramatherapists draw on their knowledge of theatre and therapy, and sessions may include drama, story-making and other dramatic techniques, used in verbal and non-verbal ways. BADth says talk and storymaking are part of it, but it does not rely on spoken language alone: embodiment and movement matter too. You don’t need any acting experience.
Who It Can Help
Dramatherapists work with children, young people and adults, one to one and in groups. BADth says they work in settings such as schools, mental health care, general health and social care, prisons and the voluntary sector. Many also work privately.
Training and Registration
The HCPC protects four titles for arts therapists: art psychotherapist, art therapist, dramatherapist and music therapist. Anyone using one of them must be on the HCPC register. Search by name, free.
BADth says dramatherapists train at master’s level and are regulated by the HCPC.
NHS, School and Private Routes
Arts therapists work in NHS mental health and learning disability services, hospitals, schools, prisons, social care, charities and private practice. On the NHS or at school, arts therapy is usually offered by the team already supporting you or your child, so ask your GP, care coordinator, CAMHS team or the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). Your council’s SEND Local Offer lists services for children with special educational needs. Privately, you can contact an HCPC-registered therapist directly.
To find a private dramatherapist, use BADth’s find a therapist search. BADth also has advice on choosing a therapist.
Common Questions
What is dramatherapy?
The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) describes dramatherapy as a form of psychotherapy. Dramatherapists draw on theatre and therapy, using approaches such as drama and story-making, with embodiment and movement also part of the work.
Do I need acting experience?
No. Dramatherapists use a wide range of dramatic techniques in verbal and non-verbal ways, and the focus is on therapy, not on performing. Ask the therapist how they work if you’re unsure.
Where do dramatherapists work?
BADth says dramatherapists work in settings such as schools, mental health care, general health and social care, prisons and the voluntary sector. Many also work privately.
How do I check a dramatherapist?
Dramatherapist is a protected title. Dramatherapists train at master’s level and must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, so search the HCPC register by name.
Find a Dramatherapist
On Therapist Circle, dramatherapists are listed under Arts therapist.
Therapist Circle is new and still growing, so there may be few or none listed near you yet. If so, please use the professional body’s own finder above. It is often the quickest route.
Browse by area: Therapists in London · Therapists in Manchester · Therapists in Nottingham · Therapists in Oxfordshire · Therapists working online
Other Professions
Please read. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, give medical advice or diagnose, and we don’t recommend, endorse or guarantee any practitioner. Always check a practitioner’s registration yourself on the public register; any check we show was correct only on the day it was made.
Call 999 or go to A&E if life is at risk. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111. To talk, ring Samaritans free on 116 123 (24 hours). To text, message SHOUT to 85258.
Sources: BADth: what is dramatherapy? · BADth: choosing a therapist · BADth: find a therapist · HCPC: protected titles. Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the NHS, the HCPC or BADth. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.
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