What does a Dance/Movement Psychotherapist do?

Dance/movement psychotherapists focus on helping their clients improve self-esteem and body image, develop effective communication skills and relationships, expand their movement vocabulary, gain insight into patterns of behavior, as well as create new options for coping with problems. The body is used as a tool for healing as you will gain insight on how to regulate and express your emotions and become aware of how your body responds to the environment. Dance/movement psychotherapists have been trained to apply theories and examine movement to support individuals therapeutic goals and personal development.

Where do Dance/Movement Psychotherapists work?

Dance/movement psychotherapists work in a variety of settings including nursing homes, schools, psychiatric, rehabilitation and medical facilities, drug treatment centers, counseling and crisis centers, and wellness and alternative health care centers.

How to become a Dance/Movement Psychotherapist?

There are two levels of credentials that include Registered-Dance/Movement Psychotherapist (R-DMT) and Board Certified-Dance/Movement Psychotherapist (BC-DMT). One can obtain and apply for these certifications through an approved ADTA graduate program, completing required coursework, internships, supervision, and paid employment. Depending on location most require an additional state license to practice independently and for health insurance purposes. For more information click the link to book a consultation.

How is Dance/Movement Psychotherapy different from a dance class?

Dance/movement psychotherapy is facilitated by a registered or board certified dance/movement therapist and is bound by state laws and a professional code of ethics. Dance/movement psychotherapy focuses on behavioral and psychological goals as they relate to mental health diagnoses, rather than movement goals alone and is grounded in theoretical frameworks, like cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, person-centered, humanistic, and psychoanalytic theories. Dance/movement psychotherapy does not typically involve choreography or dance technique and instead focuses on organic movements generated by the client or patient.