From 2005-2012, I worked full-time at Interfaith Medical Center on 3 different units using Drama Therapy.
Inpatient Adult Acute Psychiatric Unit
I began as Psychiatric Rehabilitation Therapist working with patients suffering from a wide range of diagnoses. Most of our clients were in crisis and considered to be a danger to themselves or others. Charged with creating 15 unique groups per week, I drew from every source I knew and developed new ideas. Based on my training with Fred Landers, I used a digital storytelling process that transformed rehabilitation into a connective, playful experience. After creating over 300 unique videos, I now train other facilitators and graduate students to facilitate these empowering aesthetic experiences.
Inpatient Substance Abuse Unit
I received a promotion to become a Substance Abuse Counselor on the 28-Day Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit. I transferred my clinical knowledge into treating addiction and learned how to manage a case load and discharge planning. This assignment also began my role as a Clinical Supervisor training graduate interns from NYU. During this time, I was developing my skills in Rasaboxes and found innovative ways to integrate Richard Schechner’s techniques into my drama therapy practice.
Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment (IPRT) Outpatient Unit
My third promotion led me to another title change: Educational Therapist. At IPRT, I provided individual and group counseling for behavioral, social, emotional, and vocational skills for clients who were ready to re-enter the community. Additionally, I taught remedial English and Math classes. It was incredibly rewarding to see clients learn and grow after many years of derailed plans due to mental illness. Towards the end of my time at Interfaith, I enrolled in NYU’s PhD program in Educational Theatre and then immediately received an offer to become the new Director of FACES Teen Health Theatre at Maimonides Medical Center.
