Just because I can’t say words, doesn’t mean I can’t have a choice

Abstract

People with physical disabilities and age-appropriate cognitive levels of functioning can experience incredible frustration in their opportunities to express and communicate along with societal stigma and assumptions. Dramatherapy, and specifically Drama and Movement Therapy, can be an effective therapeutic method in providing a platform for these clients to find their voice through a range of techniques and stimulation. Providing ‘choice’, building a non-judgemental, trusting therapeutic relationship, along with enabling the client is an essential part of this process. This article will discuss a Dramatherapist’s experience from an autoethnological perspective with her own limitations in using her voice, in relation to working and enabling non-verbal clients. This will further be supported by case studies, demonstrating working within an effective multidisciplinary team. Joint working will be discussed along with examples of a range of creative and adaptable techniques to assist the individual and their needs. The article will then discuss and conclude with how practitioners can assist these clients to find their voice, by supporting different ways of communication and importantly providing choice.