What does a dance movement psychotherapist do?

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…

How do you become a dance movement psychotherapist?

You can get into this job through a university course and volunteering.

How much does a dance movement psychotherapist earn?

Starter salaries are around £40,000 a year, rising to about £57,000 with experience.

How many hours does a dance movement psychotherapist work?

Typically 37 to 40 hours a week.

Dance movement psychotherapist

Dance movement psychotherapists use dance and movement to help people deal with emotional, physical and psychological issues.

Starter salary£40,000 a year
Experienced£57,000 a year
Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

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.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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

How to become a dance movement psychotherapist

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

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

Volunteering

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 .

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

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

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

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.

Guides for this industry

Health & Social Care: pay, interviews and getting started →

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