#11- Therapeutic Theater, Inclusion, and Collaboration with Angelle Cook, MA, RDT

In this episode, Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, discusses her passion for supporting people with various ability levels by creating a space where they can utilize performance in a therapeutic way. She explains the unique approach that A Place To Be, the agency she works for, has created in supporting individuals to reach their potential. She also talks about her unique research on the topic of inclusion and the benefits of drama therapy. Angelle is a supporter of collaborating with other creative arts therapists and covers her experiences working with music therapists at her agency. She's also an author, so go check out her book! Angelle has been working with individuals from various populations (special needs, at-risk youth, mental health issues, college students) since 2002.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre Education from Emerson College. In 2016 she completed another advanced degree in Drama Therapy with the North American Drama Therapy Association and became a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT). Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals, and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis.  As an RDT, Angelle uses the power of theater to support participants as they process, tell, and overcome their stories, along with helping them work through other obstacles in their lives. Angelle is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University with a focus on therapeutic theater, which is the intentional use of live theater for therapeutic value for both the actors and the audience. Angelle is also a published author and has one historical fiction novel out, “The Artist and the Soldier” which is based on true events during World War II. Find Angelle's Author Page on Facebook or follow her on Instagram! A Place To Be Same Sky Project Follow us on Instagram! Looking for more creative content? Sign up for our newsletter and get a free creativity guide! Join the Creative Therapy Umbrella Hub Facebook group to further discuss, collaborate, and create with your fellow creative arts therapy community! Have feedback? Fill out our anonymous survey to let us know your thoughts, concerns, questions, suggestions, and feedback. For us to serve you better, we need to hear YOUR voice!