Dance movement psychotherapist

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• teach dance movement psychotherapy
• provide clinical supervision to less experienced colleagues
• become a consultant
• set up in private practice
• work on a self-employed or freelance basis

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of dance or movement forms
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Dance - Dance movement psychotherapists use dance and movement as their primary therapeutic tool, planning movement sessions and creating choreographic exercises for clients. They need a deep understanding of different dance forms and the ability to improvise and use movement as a means of expression and communication.
• Psychology - Dance movement psychotherapists need a thorough understanding of psychological theories to assess clients' emotional and mental states. They use this knowledge to observe behaviour, develop coping strategies, and help people work through issues like trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
• Biology - Dance movement psychotherapists need to understand how the body works, including how movement affects the nervous system, brain function, and physical health. This knowledge helps them design sessions that are safe and effective for clients with different physical and psychological conditions.

Also relevant

• Sociology - Dance movement psychotherapists work with diverse groups of people, including those in prisons, hospitals, and schools. Understanding how social factors like poverty, inequality, and group dynamics affect people's wellbeing helps them tailor their approach to different clients and settings.
• Music - Dance movement psychotherapists find and select suitable music for their sessions, using rhythm, tempo, and mood to support therapeutic goals. Understanding how music affects emotions and energy levels helps them create the right atmosphere for different types of work.
• Physical Education - Dance movement psychotherapists need to understand physical fitness, body mechanics, and how movement affects overall health. This helps them plan sessions that are physically appropriate for clients with varying abilities and ensure exercises are carried out safely.
• English Language - Dance movement psychotherapists write detailed reports on client progress and communicate with other healthcare professionals. They also need strong listening and verbal skills to build trust with clients and explain therapeutic approaches clearly.
• Drama - Dance movement psychotherapists use expressive and creative techniques that overlap with performance skills, such as improvisation and using the body to communicate emotion. Understanding how people express themselves physically – much like actors do – helps them read and respond to clients' movements.