Drama therapist Kirsten Meyer on using objects and role-play in therapy
Kirsten Meyer, a seasoned drama therapist, has over 18 years of experience in South Africa and Australia. She co-established the Zakheni Arts Therapy Foundation in 2001 and earned her PhD from Victoria University in Melbourne in 2017. Meyer highlights that drama therapy is built on three essential components: the therapist, the client, and an auxiliary element such as a story or object, all of which foster safety during sessions. Importantly, participation need not be limited to acting; clients can express themselves through movement, role-play, or utilizing various objects, which is particularly beneficial for traumatized children struggling with trust.
Key facts
- Kirsten Meyer is a drama therapist, educator, and facilitator with over 18 years of experience.
- She co-founded the Zakheni Arts Therapy Foundation in South Africa in 2001.
- She completed her PhD at Victoria University, Melbourne, in 2017.
- Drama therapy uses a triad: therapist, client, and a third element (object, story, role-play).
- Meyer uses objects like plastic animals or natural objects to facilitate expression.
- Acting is not a prerequisite for drama therapy.
- Words can fail, especially for difficult experiences; embodiment helps.
- Play is important but can be difficult for traumatized children.
Entities
Artists
- Kirsten Meyer
Institutions
- Zakheni Arts Therapy Foundation
- Victoria University
- ArtsHub
Locations
- South Africa
- Australia
- Melbourne