Introduction
An integrated curriculum in drama therapy is offered to those who are interested in acquiring the basic fundamentals of theory and practice in drama therapy. The Drama Therapy Fundamentals Training Program (DTFT Program) is a 39-unit semester credit course of study (including 12 units of psychology) which may be transferred and 6 units of drama therapy electives . Upon completion of the DTFT Program, qualified students who have a MA Degree in Psychology, or Theatre (or related field) will have satisfied the academic requirements for “Alternate Training for Drama Therapies,” set by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA), but need to complete all the required internship and professional hours.
Students in the DTFT program must also complete the 800 internship hours with two different populations. All of these hours are supervised by a RDT-BCT, RDT, or an approved mental health professional with a current license. Once completing the internship and course requirements, the student, as already stated, would have simultaneously completed the requirements for Alternative Training, if they are registered as an alternative training student and maintained their dues each year with NADTA since beginning as a student.
Students in the DTFT program are not required to be registered as Alternative Training students if their goal is not to become an RDT. Some professionals in the field of education, community work, communication, theatre, community work or mental health may want to broaden their skills and have no intention of becoming professional drama therapists.
For a DTFT graduate, to represent themselves in an ethically correct way, would be to indicate that they are a drama therapy intern. Depending on the state they reside in they would need to review the ethical and legal guidelines for practice in their particular state but in no case could they represent themselves as a professional drama therapist (RDT).
The DTFT graduate would receive an Award of Completion for the DTFT Program which is a significant achievement.
To become an RDT, DTFT graduates would need to complete an additional 1000 professional supervised hours as well as other requirements listed by NADTA to apply for the RDT.
Requirements
The DTFT Program is a graduate level program. Students may concurrently attend a master’s degree program and the DTFT Program simultaneously. They may also be admitted while they are in the process of determining or making application to a master’s program.
Credit for Previous Experience or Equivalent Classes
Students with prior academic work in drama therapy taught by a Registered Drama Therapist or equivalent psychology classes will meet with the Director of the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (DTILA) to determine equivalencies for course credit in the DTFT Program.
Application
An application may be obtained at any time. Professionals or advanced students interested in specific courses rather than the DTFT Program may sign up for any course as long as they meet the requirements.
Continuing Education Credit:
Creative Therapies Center (DBA, Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles) is an approved provider for continuing education units for health care professionals through the American Psychological Association (APA) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). Continuing Education is tracked in hours.
Courses
DTILA, along with its sister organization, Creative Therapies Center (CTC), offers a wide range of courses in drama therapy and creative arts therapy as well as psychology courses.
Schedule of Classes and Training Units
Credit for 3 classes are offered in training units (closely equivalent to formula used by university) for students. Mental health professionals may receive CE’s or training units.
The DTILA operates on the Semester system including Fall, Winter/Spring and Spring/Summer. DTILA sponsors an Abroad Program in Europe or other designated foreign country each summer.
Supervision Classes and/or Individual Supervision
Students are required to be in supervision while acquiring drama therapy hours. Ten hours of clinical work require one hour of supervision. Supervision may be acquired through group or individual supervision facilitated by an RDT-BCT or an RDT. If an RDT-BCT or RDT is not available, an approved credentialed mental health professional may also supervise.
Additional Training Credits for RDT
A student applying for the RDT needs 500 additional hours. These can be composed of personal psychotherapy hours (up to 100) and additional training credits. The latter can be accrued by taking classes beyond the 51 units required for the DTFT Program.
Narradrama Training
Students who apply for Narradrama training may complete that program simultaneous with the DTFT Program.