Is Dance/Movement Therapy The Right Career For You?

What is dance/movement therapy?

The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) defines dance/movement therapy as “the psychotherapeutic
use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the
individual.” (ADTA, 2009). Dance/movement therapists are dancers who are trained in both dance/movement
therapy and counseling or psychotherapy. They work in a wide variety of settings, such as psychiatric and
medical hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, community mental health agencies, schools and
special education settings, wellness centers and in private practice.

What does a dance/movement therapist do?

Dance/movement therapists work with individuals, couples, families and groups. They lead
dance/movement therapy sessions, help develop treatment plans and goals, document their work in clinical
records and collaborate with professionals from other disciplines. Dance/movement therapists use both
movement interventions and verbal counseling techniques with clients. Dancing as a form of self-expression,
social interaction and experiencing in the present moment is a special and effective form of therapy.

What does a dance/movement therapy session look like?

The extensive range of dance/movement therapy techniques and the needs and abilities of participants allow
for a wide variety of movement activities in dance/movement therapy sessions. The healing relationship
between therapist and client always occurs through movement interaction and nonverbal communication and also
includes talking. This dance of relationship occurs within a range of dance/movement characteristics, from
subtle and ordinary movement behaviors to expressive, improvisational dancing.

What training is required to be a dance/movement therapist?

Dance/movement therapists must have a Master’s degree. Choices include a Master’s in dance/movement
therapy or in counseling or psychology. Some graduate programs offer a combined degree. For dancers who
pursue or already have an MA in counseling or psychology, ‘alternate route’ training in dance therapy is available.
A clinical internship in dance therapy is required in all cases. Click for more training information.

Where can I study to become a dance/movement therapist?

There are current six graduate degree programs in dance/movement therapy that are approved by the ADTA.
There are also several independent (not in a university) programs and courses offering Alternate Route dance/movement therapy training. Click here for listings. ADTA Approved master's degree programs are:

Antioch New England Graduate School, NH
Columbia College Chicago, IL
Drexel University, PA
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
Naropa University, Boulder, CO
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

How long does it take to become a dance/movement therapist?

As in most Master’s degree programs, expect to be in school for two to three years. Along with completing
your coursework, you will do a clinical internship. The first level credential in dance/movement therapy is
the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT). When you complete an ADTA-approved Master’s degree program in dance/movement therapy, you are eligible for the R-DMT. The senior-level credential is the Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). This is earned after significant professional experience as a R-DMT.

What is the best preparation for studying dance/movement therapy?

Most successful applicants have a broad education in dance. Ideally this includes a variety of dance techniques,
ranging from modern dance forms to ethnic, folk and social dance styles. Your dance education should also
include choreography, performance and teaching. College courses in Kinesiology, Anatomy & Physiology
are recommended. You will also need courses in Psychology, such as Theories of Personality, Abnormal
Psychology and Developmental or Lifespan Psychology. You can take these courses as prerequisites, if you have
already completed college. Work or volunteer experience helping people, such as in summer camps, schools,
hospitals or nursing homes is a good way to explore a career in a helping profession like dance therapy.

Will I be able to dance at my job as a dance/movement therapist?

Yes! You will be using your artistic dance skills, your gifts of dance expression and your movement expertise
every day at work as a dance/movement therapist. You also will be communicating about dance/movement
therapy verbally, with other professionals at work, with your clients and in your clinical documentation and
other writing about your work.

What should I read to learn more about dance/movement therapy?

The ADTA web site lists local dance/movement therapy contacts by state. You may also want to subscribe to
ADTA Forums on this website to access ongoing discussion, ask questions and get to know about other
dance/movement therapists. Check out ADTA on Facebook! Some states have local chapters affiliated with the ADTA. You could attend a chapter meeting near you. The ADTA holds a national conference every year in a different location. Attending this conference is a wonderful way to get acquainted with dance/movement therapy. Recommended reading is also listed on the web site or check with your local public or school library.