Amanda Rothman (she/her), MA, LCAT, RDT, is a clinical drama therapist and researcher. She recently returned from her Fulbright Scholarship in Sri Lanka where she conducted Participatory Action Research in service of creating further supports for mental health care providers. She has served as a group and individual drama therapist in inpatient psychiatric departments as well as in virtual therapy group practices. In addition to working at Thrive, Amanda facilitates drama-informed staff wellness workshops in partnership with HR departments of various private companies. She has 12 years of experience studying and performing improvised theater. Amanda serves as adjunct faculty for NYU’s Stern School of Business where she teaches "Improvisation for Ethical Leadership" to MBA students. She is the co-founder and co-facilitator of the H.E.R.O. Unmasking Workshop for frontline healthcare workers. Amanda has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on her work using drama therapy and improvised play to support health care workers. Her research was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal the Drama Therapy Review.

Note from the clinician: Hi! I know “Drama Therapy” may sound scary to some. As a drama therapist, I offer tools based in theater practices, such as storytelling, creative writing, and role play, to move through stuckness and create more freedom in a way that complements traditional talk therapy. But I will always go at your pace. I aim to create a warm and empowering framework that builds on your specific strengths toward your therapeutic goals. As a cis-het white woman offering mental health care, I am committed to maintaining a culturally humble and anti-racist clinical practice as well as continued advocacy for community care and liberation. When it all feels like too much, we don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to help whenever you’re ready.

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