CTLC offers both individual and small group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.

Children utilize drama instinctively, to try out new situations, explore possibilities, express emotions, and solve problems. It is a natural developmental process. Dramatic play is the “work” of childhood, and it is the precursor to higher cognitive and psychological functioning. However, when there are emotional, developmental, or behavioral issues at play, this natural, intrinsic process may become stalled. Children with these issues, whether they be transient due to outside forces (i.e. divorce, death, difficulties at school) or long term (due to a developmental or mental disability) need a structured, goal oriented approach to help them. Drama therapy offers this structure, and is a natural, fun way for a child to work through issues and find resolution. Adults also benefit from this type of therapy, as it allows them to tap into their creative selves, and often helps them to transcend the confines of traditional “talk” therapies to expand self-discovery.

Individual Drama Therapy

Individual sessions are 45 minutes in length, and are fun, creative, and client-centered. Techniques utilized in a session are tailored to individual needs and may include improvisation, role play, storytelling, writing, art, and/or puppetry. The therapist is a highly active partner in this process, serving as a model, partner, and facilitator. The therapist structures the session to engage the individual in a dynamic relationship. Goals are created for each individual and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The first session usually consists of a parent meeting where a full history is taken and initial goals formalized (this is done as a self-report for adult clients). Some of the benefits of drama therapy may include:

• Increased expressive ability

• Increased self-confidence

• Decreased anxiety/fears

 • Increased communication/social skills

 • Increased concentration/focus

 • Decreased aggressive behavior

• Increased self understanding/acceptance 

Group Drama Therapy

CTLC also offers therapy in small group settings, focusing on specific skills. CTLC specializes in social/relationship skill building groups for children with PDD (HFA, Asperger’s, PDD-NOS) and ADHD.

"Drama Friends"

This program focuses on helping children to develop spontaneous, interactive skills in a fun atmosphere. Groups are small and individualized (2-4 children, depending on needs). Instead of teaching children rote "social scripts", we endeavor to help them to feel socially empowered. This is done by breaking down the developmental skills needed for social/relationship success into fun, interactive drama “games”. Imaginative, improvisational play is also part of every session, and the skills learned through the drama games are incorporated into the play. The program is developmentally based, and each session’s skill builds on the previous session. Problems with kinesis (the inability to read facial expressions or body language), vocalics (misinterpreting the use and meaning of pitch), and proxemics (misunderstanding the use of personal space) are addressed through practice and active reflection. Emotion identification and regulation, conflict management, and perspective-taking are explored and enhanced through both structured exercises and improvisation.

 •Each child is assessed individually through parent report, and therapeutic goals are individualized

 •Parents receive a weekly synopsis of group skills and exercises, and descriptions for at-home practice

 •Children are grouped according to age and developmental needs. This program runs for children aged 6 – 16 and meets weekly for 45 minutes (drama/play groups available for children as young as 3)

 •The cost for an 8 week program is $320.

Group Drama Therapy for adults is also available.