Revised DvT Requirements and Information (NYC)

DvT Practitioner training provides the necessary skills and supervision to conduct DvT sessions in a variety of settings either independently or under supervision. It does not represent sufficient training itself to qualify as a drama therapist or to perform psychotherapy. Please consult the website of the North American Drama Therapy Association for information about how one can become a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT), and please consult your state licensing board for information about how psychotherapy and creative arts therapy are licensed in your jurisdiction. In New York State this information can be found via the Office of the Professions Website.

Historical Note: Conversion from “Number of Weekends” standard to “Number of Hours”

In NYC the requirements for completion of training was based on a structure that was originally based on monthly weekend trainings. Over the past few years (particularly post-COVID) we have seen a need for more flexibility as trainees have had challenges negotiating the semester structure or required multiple semesters beyond the usual timeline to complete Level One requirements.

To create more flexibility in how trainees can navigate the training program, we are revising the requirements to reflect an hourly calculation, and we are dividing the ‘training’ hours into 3 categories: (1) Embodied Play Skills, (2) DvT Seminar, and (3) DvT Supervision.

To complete Level One, a trainee’s hours should total 96 = 72 hours embodied play/skills, 12 hours seminar, and 12 hours supervision. (Trainees must also complete the Level 1 Paper and the Level 1 Test after their Seminar hours are complete.)

Level One Certification

The aim of Level One training is to achieve a solid familiarity with DvT methods and theories, in order to be able to lead individual and group sessions with supervision. Level One practitioners are certified to practice DvT under supervision of a DvT supervisor.

While it is possible to complete the classroom/supervision requirements of Level One within a single training year, it is common for completion of all classroom, supervision, paper and test requirements to require 1.5–2 years total. Trainees are encouraged to develop a timetable that works for them and to stay in consultation with the DvT trainers as to their plans and any challenges that may emerge.

1. Develop Skills through Classroom and Practical work in Embodied DvT Play

Trainees will document 72 hours of Embodied Play in Developmental Transformations. In NYC this can be done through 2 Hybrid Level One Classes (each providing 12 hours embodied play), and then 4 Weekend Intensives or retreats in any combination of hours adding up to 72. Upon approval of the Training Directors, hours of coursework taken at other DvT Institutes or Drama Therapy Master’s Programs may count towards this requirement.

Over the course of their training hours students will gain and demonstrate the following skills/capacities:

● Ability to lead Group Sessions

○ Demonstrate competency in leading training groups during courses and intensives.

● Ability to conduct Individual Sessions

○ Demonstrate competency in conducting individual sessions during courses and intensives.

● Deepen competency through Personal Work in DvT

○ Engage as a client in group and individual sessions during courses, intensives, and/or privately.

2. Develop Skills and Competency through DvT-specific Supervision

Trainees will document 12 hours of DvT Supervision with a DvT Graduate or other supervisor approved by the Training Directors. In NYC this can be done through either group or individual format, either joining our supervision group [schedule TBD] or working with an internship supervisor or external clinical DvT supervisor as approved by the Training Directors. Supervision will consist of case presentation, embodied play supervision, and verbal supervision and will help contextualize DvT practice across multiple settings.

During the course of their supervisory hours, trainees will:

● Meet with a supervisor in group or individual setting at a frequency appropriate to the setting they are utilizing for their DvT experience, at least once per month.

● Document their experiences leading and co-leading group sessions in a relevant setting outside of the training (clinical, performance, educational, personal growth, social justice), minimally ten sessions.

● Document their experiences conducting individual sessions with multiple individuals, over various periods of time, in a relevant setting (clinical, performance, educational, personal growth, social justice), minimally ten hours.

3. Demonstrate Knowledge of Core DvT Concepts through Seminar, the Level One Test, and Level One Paper

Trainees will document 12 Level One Seminar hours conducted over two semesters in the Hybrid Level One Class. Within the hybrid class trainees will spend time both exploring the texts and readings that identify the core concepts and theories, as well as experiencing them in action through hours of embodied play. At the completion of 12 hours of Seminar instruction, trainees are eligible to take the Level One Test.

Additionally, the student will submit a written report of one individual session and one group session, to include a general transcript of the action and personal reflections demonstrating knowledge of DvT concepts and methods. The format for this report can be found within the Text For Practitioners. [In New York we generally call this the “Level One Paper.”]

Completion of Level One

Students can receive their Level One Certification after they have documented:

● 72 Embodied play hours, 12 Supervision Hours, and 12 Level 1 Seminar Hours

● Documentation of 20 practice hours

● Successful completion of the Level 1 test

● Completion of the Level 1 Paper

Level Two Certification

The aim of Level Two training is to achieve proficiency in individual and group work, develop skills in teaching and supervising DvT, and to work toward achieving the maximum benefit from personal work in the practice. Graduates of Level Two are certified to practice DvT independently, conduct practitioner training, and provide training therapy.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting individual and group sessions

Trainees will document 144 hours of Embodied Play in Developmental Transformations. These hours will be accrued in a similar fashion to Level One hours, with the understanding that Level Two trainees will take on leadership/playor roles more frequently within DvT intensives and courses. Upon approval of the Training Directors, hours of coursework taken at other DvT Institutes or Drama Therapy Master’s Programs may count towards this requirement.

Over the course of their training hours students will gain and demonstrate the following skills/capacities:

● Proficiency in leading Group Sessions

○ Demonstrate skill in leading training groups during courses and intensives, including developing groups for specific settings/populations

● Proficiency in conducting Individual Sessions

○ Demonstrate proficiency in conducting individual sessions during courses and intensives, including understanding of various individual DvT approaches (traditional, short-form, trauma-focused, etc.)

● Continued development of personal practice in DvT

○ Engage as a client in group and individual sessions during courses, intensives, and/or privately.

2. Deepen competency through Supervision

Trainees will document 24 hours of DvT Supervision with a DvT Graduate or other supervisor approved by the Training Directors. In NYC this can be done through either group or individual format, either joining our supervision group [schedule TBD] or working with an internship supervisor or external clinical supervisor as approved by the Training Directors. Supervision will consist of case presentation, embodied play supervision, and verbal supervision and will help contextualize DvT practice across multiple settings.

During the course of their supervisory hours, trainees will:

● Meet with a supervisor in group or individual setting at a frequency appropriate to the setting they are utilizing for their DvT experience, at least once per month.

● Document their experiences leading and co-leading group sessions in a relevant setting outside of the training (clinical, performance, educational, personal growth, social justice), minimally twenty sessions.

● Document their experiences conducting individual sessions with multiple individuals, over various periods of time, in a relevant setting (clinical, performance, educational, personal growth, social justice), minimally twenty hours.

3. Demonstrate Knowledge of DvT theories and concepts and proficiency in communicating them

Trainees will document 24 Level Two Seminar hours conducted over four semesters in the Hybrid Level Two Class. Within the hybrid class trainees will spend time both exploring the texts and readings that identify the core concepts and theories, as well as experiencing them in action through additional hours of embodied play. Trainees cannot begin to accrue Level 2 Seminar Hours until all Level 1 Seminar requirements have been completed, including the Level 1 paper.

If possible trainees will participate as an assistant or lead teacher in classes, workshops, or presentations of DvT If there are suitable candidates, trainees should practice as a supervisor of Level One trainees in DvT.

Additionally, the student will submit a written paper or other material project on an important aspect of DvT, of 20 pages or more. [In New York we generally call this the “Level Two Paper.”]

4. Deepen competency through personal work in DvT and mind and body awareness

Engage as a client in individual sessions with a DvT practitioner who is a DvT Graduate, on a consistent basis, for a minimum of 60 hours.

Produce a written paper on one’s personal DvT session, including a general transcript of the action and personal reflections demonstrating awareness of DvT methods and concepts.

Engage in personal work in mindfulness practice and in body awareness practice, of the student’s choice.

Demonstrate a high level of integration of DvT and one’s own personal presence or journey.

5. Demonstrate understanding of ethical issues related to DvT

Complete the 3-hour Ethics Course provided at the Institute and pass the Ethics Test.

Completion of Level Two

Students can receive their Level Two Certification after they have documented:

● 144 Embodied play hours, 24 Supervision Hours, and 24 Level 1 Seminar Hours

● 3 DvT Ethics Class hours

● 60 personal play hours

● Successful completion of the Ethics Test

● Completion of the Level 2 Theory/Approaches Paper

● Completion of the Level 2 Personal Session Paper

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Based on the hours above and current training, the current estimated costs for Level One classwork training are between $2,520 (at Tier 3) and $3,360 (at Tier 1) in addition to the costs for 12 hours Supervision.

(Supervision costs may vary depending on whether or not trainees seek group or individual Supervision, or a combination of both).

For Level Two classwork training the costs are estimated to be between $5,040 (at Tier 3) and $6,720 (at Tier 1) plus additionally the costs for 24 hours of Supervision, as well as 60 hours of personal play with a Training Playor.

For those trainees who are also licensed creative arts therapists or social workers in New York State, training hours in DvT can be counted as continuing education hours by the office of the professions.

Training hours in DvT count towards continuing education requirements for the Registered Drama Therapist credential.

Ethics Agreements for Trainees and Graduates

1. Trainees in Developmental Transformations and Graduates of the Institute both agree to uphold the highest ethical standards of practice as a DvT practitioner.

2. Trainees agree not to imply or suggest or represent themselves to others as being specially credentialed in Developmental Transformations until their completion of all Level 1 requirements and/or graduation from the Institute.

3. All members agree to maintain confidentiality of clinical and personal material presented in Institute workshops, meetings, seminars, and supervision sessions, and at all times respect the needs for privacy of players and colleagues.

4. All members agree not to intentionally engage in sexually provocative, stimulating, or suggestive behavior with players or workshop participants. All members are expected to be mindful of playful behavior that might be perceived as unwanted or upsetting by players. When practicing professionally, members will obtain verbal or written consent (as appropriate to the setting) to treat from players, which specifically mentions the elements of play and physical touch present in DvT.

5. Due to the intense nature of the training program, trainees are expected to be mindful at all times of the nature of their relationships with each other and with faculty and supervisors. Developing conflicts, dual relationships, and romantic or sexual relationships among trainees are expected to be reported to one’s trainers, supervisors, and/or training therapists for consultation and discussion. Where dual relationships exist, it is encouraged to make them public and subject to the play.

6. Graduates, supervisors, and faculty in the Institute are restricted from having any sexual relationships with clients, trainees, and workshop participants. Trainees are also restricted from having sexual relationships with faculty, clients, and workshop participants. Questions that arise regarding these boundaries should be discussed with the appropriate members of the DvT community.

7. Training Playors have a dual role: to play over time with the trainee’s personal content and to participate in the evaluation of the trainee in their competency with DvT. Thus, trainees should be aware that training therapists may consult with their supervisor(s) regarding any element of their therapy, but that confidentiality will be maintained in relation to all other members of the Institute community. In general, this consultation will be in unusual circumstances and include the minimum amount of information required for the consultation. At various points during the training process, the training playor will also be consulted by Faculty and/or the Institute Director for their input on the trainee’s progress. In these cases, the training playor will not share any personal information about the trainee, other than their progress in immersing themselves in the DvT experience.

8. Due to the importance of the integrity of the leadership of Institute, it is incumbent upon all members of the community to identify possible problematic behaviors on the part of the Institute Director and Faculty, to those parties directly, or others as appropriate, for consultation and open discussion.

(updated Nov 9, 2025)

Introduction

There are two levels of certification for DvT Practitioners, “Level One,” and “Level Two” (often called ‘Graduates’).

The aim of Level One training is to achieve a solid familiarity with DvT methods and theories and to be able to lead individual and group sessions with supervision. Level One practitioners are certified to practice DvT under supervision of a DvT supervisor.

The aim of Level Two training is to achieve proficiency in individual and group work, in teaching and supervising DvT, and achieving the maximum benefit from personal work in the practice. Graduates of Level Two are certified to practice DvT independently, to conduct practitioner trainings, and to serve as training therapists.