History

In the 1960's, insights into the world of mental illness showed little or no opportunities for sufferers to ameliorate their difficulties through anything other than drug orientated treatment. Exploration throughout the Health, Education and Welfare Authorities underlined the need for the introduction of drama and movement in a therapeutic context nationwide. After Sesame had been formed, almost all the local authorities were contacted, as was the National Association for Mental Health (MIND), the Association of Occupational Therapists and the Departments of Health and Education.

Concept and history of the Sesame training

The training which prepares students to work within therapeutic situations by making use of drama and movement became established in 1964. It is based on the work of Rudolf Laban's Art of Movement, Peter Slade (whose drama work with children had such a profound effect on British schools), Jungian Psychology, theories of Human Development and the non-verbal language of Movement with Touch devised by Marian Lindkvist, Sesame's Founder.

Marian Lindkvist inspired a coherent approach to training based on these major elements and for ten years the training was developed on a part-time basis. The first short training course in Drama and Movement Therapy was held in 1964 at the York Clinic, Guy's Hospital London, at the request of Dr. David Stafford Clark. Twenty-five occupational therapists attended and subsequently several hundred short courses were held in different parts of the country.

By 1975 a full-time advanced level course recognised by the Department for Education and Science and the Inner London Education Authority was established at Kingsway Princeton College. As this college was mainly engaged in non-advanced work, it was suggested that a more appropriate collegiate context would be at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. The Sesame training course moved there in 1986 where it is now well established. Most recently the course is taught at Masters level. In 2005 the Central School of Speech & Drama became a specialist college of the University of London who now validate and award the Sesame MA in Drama & Movement Therapy.

Research

In 1968 a manifesto recommended the need for scientific research and this took place with three different client groups. Settings included long stay schizophrenics, autistic children, and adults with learning disabilities. Results were filmed, recorded and in one case published in the British Journal of Medical Psychology. Further research with black urbanised schizophrenic patients in psychiatric hospitals in South Africa was completed by Marian Lindkvist. Present MA research is available in the Library at Central School of Speech and Drama. Archive materials are held at the Sesame Institute office.

Further information

Biography of Marian Lindkvist