Dr Clive Holmwood – registered dramatherapist, author and drama specialist working across the West Midlands since 1988.
Community Drama & Dramatherapy
Everyone Has a Creative Voice
I’m Dr Clive Holmwood, a registered dramatherapist, educational and community drama specialist, academic, author and former Associate Professor at the University of Derby. I have worked in drama and dramatherapy since 1988, in and around the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Much of my work has been with children and adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and other complex needs.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief that all people, whatever their ability, have a creative side and that using it helps each of us reach our full potential. Creativity matters most for people who find it hard to express themselves through spoken or written words.
Over the years my work has grown from running drama groups to managing arts projects, teaching at university and writing widely on drama, dramatherapy and creative teaching.
What I Do
Over 35 Years in Drama And Dramatherapy
My life in drama began at Jigsaw Youth Theatre in 1978 and the National Youth Theatre. Since then I have qualified as a dramatherapist, run theatre companies and drama groups, worked for the NHS and charities, and completed a PhD at the University of Warwick.
In 2026 I stepped down from my role as an Associate Professor in the Department of Therapeutic Arts at the University of Derby. I am currently an independent researcher and consultant; practice as a NDP Practitioner and Trainer and as a freelance Dramatherapist through Creative Solutions Therapy.
Years in drama and dramatherapy
Books written and co-edited
Chapters, articles and reviews
Countries presented in overseas
Work With Me
Looking For Dramatherapy?
My private practice, Creative Solutions Therapy, offers individual and group dramatherapy for children and adults across the West Midlands and South Staffordshire.
Dramatherapy uses the processes of theatre and drama, such as improvisation, storytelling, role play, movement and mask, to help people explore difficult feelings and experiences in a safe, creative way. I work with people with mental health needs and learning disabilities, and offer clinical supervision to other practitioners.
Consultancy, Training & Neuro-Dramatic-Play
I work with schools, charities, NHS teams and universities on drama workshops, staff training, clinical supervision and arts projects. I am also an NDP Practitioner and Trainer with Neuro-Dramatic-Play Ltd.
Since 1988 I have worked with dozens of organisations, from NHS trusts and local authorities to youth theatres, arts centres and universities, and have delivered training in the UK, Europe and the USA. I’m always happy to talk about new projects.
Research & Publications
Explore my books, journal articles and conference papers on dramatherapy, drama education, play and therapeutic storytelling.
My books include The International Handbook of Dramatherapy and a trilogy of Routledge handbooks co-edited with Sue Jennings, one of the founders of dramatherapy in the UK. My latest book, published in 2023, is a practical guide to building secure relationships with children from birth to six.