This Student Story captures the journey of MSc Dramatherapy graduate Yvonne Kavanagh, whose memorable graduation moment—walking the stage with her assistance dog, Shambles, who even received a celebratory tap from Prue Leith—.
After working for years in care as a home carer, support worker, activities supervisor, and mental health first aider, Yvonne’s decision to pursue dramatherapy was deeply personal. Living with her own disability, she experienced firsthand how the arts allowed her to express her mental health in a healthy way. So when QMU offered the first Dramatherapy course in Scotland, Yvonne jumped at the opportunity to pursue this unique qualification.
Yvonne found not only academic growth but also personal empowerment, overcoming challenges as a disabled student with the support of QMU’s Student Services and Students' Union. Through placements, hands-on workshops, and collaboration with students from other courses, she has left QMU with skills that will be crucial in her work in the growing field of dramatherapy.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
QMU offered the first and only Masters in Dramatherapy in Scotland. After waiting for 16 years to gain this qualification, l jumped at the chance to apply.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The course offered a wide range of therapeutic knowledge and psychological understanding of what it means to work alongside our clients and within the general field itself. I loved working practically with my cohort and delving deep into the world of dramatherapy not only from the standpoint of my clients but also through my own eyes.
Placement was really where the learning started and showed how crucial it is for me, as a dramatherapist, to be present and have the greater understanding of how to be truly with my client. This all stemmed from the practical workshops l attended.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Visiting practicing dramatherapists was a welcomed deep dive. They offered case studies and new ways of working, which opened my eyes to the many paths we can share with our clients.
"Also, the added opportunity to work and learn from music and art therapy students. Â This was a valuable asset to the course and offered a way to understand how working alongside another psychodynamic and creative therapy could look like. Â I gained a lot from working with others and having honest and vulnerable discussions surrounding creative art therapies and there place within the world of therapy. "
How did your lecturers support your learning?
Whilst involved in lectures and practical work, the lecturers helped guide you through what it meant to be a dramatherapist and also, importantly, what it meant to be a client. They offered guidance and supervision and they were easy to contact and ask questions.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
As a disabled student, I faced some challenges but found the Students’ Union to be extremely helpful in supporting me throughout my time at university. I overcame these challenges after discussions with different departments at the University, and open and honest conversations with my lecturers.
Did you take part in a placement as part of your course and if so, can you tell me a little about that experience?
"I had placements throughout my 2-year course, working across both children/young people and adults in various settings. Â I loved my placements and the variety that was offered. Â It was quite challenging as there is very little dramatherapy offered in Scotland and even less known knowledge about what it actually is. Â So being one of the first to offer it and run sessions was a tremendous step in opening up new pathways for dramatherapy to be recognised."
Throughout 1st year l worked alongside one of my cohort within a school setting. I was so glad l had someone with me as it was quite nerve racking to be in front of a group of clients but once l could take up space as my own therapist and have a greater understanding of the knowledge and practices needed to best support my clients l knew l could be there myself confidently and hold space.
So, stepping into 2nd year as an individual therapist, creating sessions, following up on paperwork and any other necessary steps, it felt like l was truly working as a dramatherapist and not just a student. Though placement at the beginning felt scary and l wasn't sure how to ‘be’ a therapist it made way for true in-depth understanding and the vulnerable nature it meant to develop and become a dramatherapist.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
Be open to anything and everything. The course is a lot to take in over the 2 years and you may feel out your depth at times. When this happens lean into those who can help and support you.
Trust the process and bring your whole self, warts and all, to the course. Especially for the practical, where it could feel awkward or strange but once you allow yourself to just be then everything does flow. Support each other but also give yourself space and ways to decompress from what can feel like a really difficult time.
Start thinking about what and where you would like to work in from the beginning but be open to change and don't feel you can't contact those whom you read about, reach out, ask questions and be curious.
Which university services did you use to support you through your university journey and how did they help you?
Student services – for support regarding my disability, and developing a new policy for assistance dogs within the university. The Disability Service in particular for DSA support.
The – supporting me throughout 2nd year in regard to developing conversations and understanding surrounding disability and my course.
Did you attend an online or in person Open Day/Offer Holder day before coming to QMU?
I attended a short course in dramatherapy for 4 months before applying for the course.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Always give yourself some time to breathe. Student life can be difficult to balance, especially as a mature student. Find ways that feed the soul and rest. I know it may feel like you have to do all the things, read all the papers but you don't. Read what is important at that point and you can always go back. Pace yourself.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
"University showed me that l could go for my dreams, even through hardship and challenges, l could always get back up and carry on. "
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
l have taken an active break from dramatherapy to be able to rest and decompress fully before creating work. This also gives me time to develop my portfolio and CV.
I have however been involved in Edinburgh Fringe Festival as a performer and then onto celebrating at Dundee Rep 30 years of dramatherapy that has been held and developed, this September.
It was an honor to be part of the first cohort in Scotland to graduate from MSc Dramatherapy course and for my assistance dog Shambles to be the first assistance dog in Scotland to qualify alongside me. Without him l wouldn’t have managed.
