Dance movement psychotherapist
Dance movement psychotherapists use dance and movement to help people deal with emotional, physical and psychological issues.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You'll work with individuals and groups to:
- plan movement sessions
- observe and assess your clients' movements
- improve self-esteem and self-awareness, and promote communication
- find suitable music and create dance props
- develop coping strategies for clients and find new ways to manage life
- write reports and do admin tasks
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a prison or at a school.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course.
You'll need a postgraduate master's degree (MA) in dance movement psychotherapy recognised by the Association for Dance Movement Pyschotherapy UK.
To do an MA you'll need:
- a degree in a relevant subject like dance, performing arts, psychology, medicine or nursing, or an equivalent professional qualification
- 2 years' background in at least one dance as well as experience of other forms of dance and movement
- the ability to improvise and use movement as a form of expression
More Information
You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working with vulnerable people. You could get this through youth work or volunteering to support people with disabilities or mental health issues.
You can find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Career tips
Dance movement therapists offering sessions outside the NHS, or who are are self-employed, may charge between £40 and £60 an hour, depending on their experience.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get more advice about careers in dance movement psychotherapy from the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.