There are forms of therapies that people who have a learning disability may also use. These are called Creative Arts Therapies
These therapies allow people who have a learning disability to express themselves without need to put things into words.
Creative arts therapies are forms of psychotherapy which make use of art, music or drama.
This means people can explore and express feelings and experiences that may not be easily put into words. People can work 1 -1 or in a group. They do not need any experience in drama, music or art for these therapies to help
'Arts Therapies/Psychotherapies' is the generic term for these therapies, and the 4 disciplines are Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy and Dance Movement Therapy.
The work focuses on the indivdual and therapists may draw on one or more therapeutic models within their practice (e.g. psychodynamic, person-centred, developmental, etc.).
Therapists are trained professonals - Art Therapy, Drama Therapy and Music Therapy are currently state registered through the HPC (Health Professions Council) - Dance Movement Therapy is in the final stages of registration.
For an information sheet about Music Therapy and Learning Disability click here
For links to individual organisations click on the names below.
British Association of Art Therapists
British Association of Dramatherapists
Association of Professional Music Therapists
Association of Dance Movement Therapy UK
For more information about Dramatherapy click here