Services
About My Clients
As a drama therapist I bring my experience as a theatre artist to facilitate growth and change. Since drama therapy is embodied and expressive, it is effective for anyone who struggles to regulate emotional reactions to life stressors. I have experience working with disability/chronic illness, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergence, and highly sensitive individuals. Drama therapy can help build interpersonal relationship and conflict resolution skills, and practice new ways of being in the world.
My Background and Approach
Dana completed a BA in Theatre and English, a MA in Performance Studies, and alternative training in drama therapy, which includes coursework in psychology and drama therapy specific approaches. Drama therapy is embodied and experiential, valuing creativity, spontaneity, and imagination. Drama therapists use play, enactment, role play, storytelling/narrative, and metaphor to help individuals make meaningful change and practice new ways of being in the world. Drama therapy is integrative and connects mind/body/spirit. Drama therapy can benefit you if you feel creatively blocked, or have a hard time accessing emotions or creative expression. I can help you regulate your nervous system and manage stress by exploring expressive elements like color, texture, metaphor, etc. instead of relying on language alone. We will move towards embodiment, or awareness of the feelings and sensations happening inside your body.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
Dana is LGBTQIA+, non-monogamy, and kink-affirming. I am committed to anti-racism and social justice. Understanding systems of power and the legacy of systemic oppression is an important part of being able to locate personal power and agency, in order to embrace growth and change. Living with marginalized identities is traumatic, and has a negative impact on psychological, emotional, and physical health. I am a member of the Cultural Humility, Equity, and Diversity Committee of the NADTA. I am also a member of the TRACC4Movements Healing Network, and have completed Movement Trauma Healer Training Program (Level 1) to facilitate healing for individuals engaged in activism and social movements. I also volunteer with local mutual aid and peer support organizations, including Chronically Queer - Austin and the Buy Nothing Project.