Dance Movement Therapist
What is the work like?
Dance movement therapists (DMTs) help people address a wide range of emotional, social, psychological and physical issues through the use of movement and dance.
As a DMT, you would work with individuals, groups and families to encourage the expression of feelings, develop social interaction and increase body awareness. Your day-to-day work would involve observing clients move, planning individual therapy sessions including adapting clients movement patterns, and creating a safe environment to promote communication.
Your clients could include people who want help with areas such as:
- improving their self-esteem, self awareness and perception of their body image
- developing effective communication skills
- gaining insights into their patterns of behaviour
- creating coping strategies and new ways to manage their lives.
You could work with people of all ages, with a wide variety of conditions or backgrounds, for example:
- people with eating disorders
- young people with autism
- women who have suffered abuse or violence in the past
- individuals living in dysfunctional family relationships
- adults with severe emotional disorders.
This form of therapy is based on the belief that movement reflects a person's pattern of thinking and feeling, and some of your clients may use therapy sessions simply for their own personal growth.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a postgraduate qualification recognised by the Association of Dance Movement Therapists (ADMTUK) before you can start work as a DMT.
To get onto a postgraduate course, you will need a degree in a relevant subject such as dance, performing arts, psychology, medicine, nursing or an equivalent professional qualification. If you do not have a degree, but have considerable relevant experience, you may also be considered for entry on to the postgraduate course (check with course providers for exact entry details).
You will also usually need:
- relevant work experience (paid or unpaid), for example leading a creative or movement group
- a background in at least one dance or movement form, and some experience in a variety of forms
- the ability to improvise and use movement to relate and communicate
- to be at least aged 23.
Check the ADMTUK website for details of alternative entry routes and a list of accredited courses.
On an accredited course in Dance Movement Therapy, you will study subjects such as anatomy, psychology, psychotherapy and movement observation. Courses take at least two years to complete, and will usually include at least 200 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision. To meet ADMTUK requirements, you will need to have personal therapy for the duration of your programme.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a DMT, you can pursue opportunities for further research, gain a range of clinical experiences and continue with your own personal therapy. You could go on to work towards Senior Registered Dance Movement Therapist (Senior RDMT) status. This would allow you to work in private practice, teach DMT, provide clinical supervision to less experienced colleagues and act as a consultant.
Throughout your career, you will need to keep up to date with the latest research, theory and practice within dance and movement therapy. The ADMTUK will also expect you to complete around 24 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) activity a year. Check their website for details of opportunities designed to help you achieve CPD.
Where can I go for more information?
32 Meadfoot LaneTorquay
TQ1 2BW
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- The full-time starting salary for a DMT can be around £20,000 to £25,000 a year.
- Senior therapists working in the NHS may earn between £38,000 and £45,000 a year.
Self-employed or sessional therapists can charge between £25 and £50 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You could work in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation units, schools and private practice. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Your working hours would usually be between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally you may need to cover weekends and evenings. Many therapists work on a sessional basis and there are very few full-time positions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity, a good imagination and the ability to create suitable programmes for clients
- experience in at least one form of dance and movement
- the ability to inspire and motivate clients
- emotional stability and resilience to work with clients suffering from mental or physical illness
- excellent communication skills and the ability to listen
- good levels of physical fitness
- an interest in the arts, health, healing and complementary therapies
- an understanding of psychology, anatomy and physiology.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work in a range of public and voluntary organisations, including hospitals, care homes, schools for children with special needs, prisons and units for young offenders. It may be possible to secure your first paid post through the contacts you make during your clinical placement as a student (on an approved postgraduate course).
With at least two years' experience and Senior Registered Dance Movement Therapist (Senior RDMT) status, you could set up in private practice or work on a self-employed, freelance basis. To succeed, you will need to network, create contacts with therapists in other fields, promote your services to the wider community and build a solid reputation, which will take time to achieve.
Opportunities are increasing in the NHS, and with around five years' experience you could progress to Head of Arts Psychotherapy, overseeing other therapists working with acute and community-based clients.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
A-Z list of NHS Trusts
Association of Dance Movement Therapists
Foundation for Community Dance (UK-wide charity supporting the development of community dance)
Jabadao (charity pairing practitioners with communities)
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