Neuro-Dramatic-Play


From November 2024 to April 2025, Children First partnered with the India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA) to offer the Neuro-Dramatic-Play (NDP) programme, a unique, play-based training developed by Dr Sue Jennings.
Designed to support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, the programme created a nurturing, creative space for mental health practitioners, parents, and educators to explore therapeutic techniques rooted in play and cultural expression.
Over the six months, 13 dedicated participants — including psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, and volunteers, completed a 26-hour Certification Course, which was followed by a 67-hour Diploma Course. A special highlight was an in-person session with Dr Sue Jennings, filled with powerful moments of connection, performance, and learning. The modules covered a wide range of expressive tools, from puppetry and storytelling to mask-making and the Theatre of Resilience (ToR). The programme showcased how play, performance, and cultural storytelling can open new pathways for therapeutic work across diverse settings.