How to Be Dance/Movement Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 14, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Dance/Movement Therapy has been found to have a range of benefits for those who practice it. This type of therapy uses physical and creative movement to help people express their feelings, build self-esteem, and develop relationships. By encouraging self-expression, the therapist can help reveal underlying causes of physical and emotional issues.

This in turn can lead to improved mental health and well-being, as well as increased self-awareness, improved body image, better stress management skills, and greater emotional regulation. dancing can also provide a much-needed outlet for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, or trauma. As a result of these benefits, Dance/Movement Therapy can be an incredibly valuable tool for those who are looking to make positive changes in their lives.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most dance/movement therapy positions require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or dance. Depending on the job requirements, some employers may require a master's degree.
Become Certified. To become a certified dance/movement therapist, you must complete an approved training program that includes at least two years of coursework and 500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Obtain Licensure or Certification. Depending on the state where you live and work, you may need to become licensed or certified. Many states require practitioners to complete an additional licensing procedure before they can begin practicing.
Get Experience. Many dance/movement therapy positions require applicants to have at least one year of supervised experience. This experience can be obtained through internships or volunteer work at a mental health agency or other health care facility.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining a professional organization is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in the field. Membership also provides networking opportunities and access to job postings.

The career of a Dance/Movement Therapist requires a combination of skills including an understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of movement, as well as the ability to connect with clients on both an emotional and physical level. To become a qualified Dance/Movement Therapist, one must be certified by either the American Dance Therapy Association or the International Dance Therapy Institute. This certification process demands a comprehensive educational background including a Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, in addition to experience in both dance/movement therapy and other health-related fields.

one must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of dance/movement therapy theory and practice and be able to pass an extensive exam. Those who are successful in obtaining certification will be well-suited to assist people of all ages in finding emotional and physical wellness through the art of dance/movement.

You may want to check Marriage and Family Therapist, Aromatherapist, and Play Therapist for alternative.

Job Description

Dance/Movement Therapist: Provide therapeutic activities and interventions to individuals, couples, families, and groups through the use of movement and dance. Use techniques such as improvisation, choreography, psychomotor therapy, and mindfulness to help clients explore and express emotions, gain insight into interpersonal relationships, increase self-awareness, and improve communication.
Dance Instructor: Teach dance techniques and styles to students of all ages and skill levels. Develop instruction plans based on individual needs, create choreography suitable for class levels, and provide feedback on student performances.
Community Outreach Worker: Educate community members on the benefits of dance/movement therapy and provide support services to those in need of therapeutic intervention. Facilitate workshops, seminars, and other events to promote public awareness of dance/movement therapy.
Clinical Supervisor: Provide clinical supervision and direction to dance/movement therapists in the field. Monitor progress and evaluate therapeutic interventions. Develop and implement training programs for new staff.
Research Associate: Conduct research on the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy in the treatment of physical, mental, and emotional disorders. Analyze data, write reports, and make presentations on research findings.
Program Administrator: Oversee the operations of a dance/movement therapy program. Develop program objectives, coordinate activities, manage budgets, and ensure program compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dance/movement therapy theory and practice
Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health issues
Understanding of various dance/movement therapy approaches and techniques
Ability to facilitate creative expression through movement
Proficiency in using movement to assess, explore, and express emotional states
Knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology related to dance/movement therapy
Ability to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment
Skill in providing individual, family, and group therapy
Understanding of ethical and legal standards for the profession
Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and ages
Knowledge of relevant research and evidence-based practices
Proficiency in record keeping and documentation
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

One of the most important skills for a Dance/Movement Therapist is the ability to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for their clients. This is essential for creating an atmosphere in which the client can explore their emotions and feelings through movement. This allows the therapist to better understand their clients needs and develop an effective treatment plan.

Furthermore, having a strong understanding of the different types of movement and their potential therapeutic applications is also important. By being able to incorporate different forms of movement into their sessions, the therapist can create a more dynamic experience for their clients and increase the effectiveness of their treatments. Lastly, having strong communication and interpersonal skills is essential as it allows the therapist to connect with their clients and create a trusting and supportive relationship.

All these skills are necessary for Dance/Movement Therapists to be successful in their work.

Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Grief Therapist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Dance/Movement Therapy?
What experience do you have working with individuals or groups?
How do you create a safe and encouraging environment for clients to express themselves through movement?
How do you assess the needs of your clients and tailor your sessions accordingly?
How do you incorporate music and other art forms into your sessions?
How do you handle challenging behaviors or negative emotions expressed through movement?
Tell me about a time when you successfully helped a client through a challenging experience using Dance/Movement Therapy.
Describe a situation in which you had to collaborate with other professionals to provide the best care for a client.
How do you stay up to date with the most recent research in Dance/Movement Therapy?
What strategies do you employ to ensure that clients feel comfortable, heard, and respected in your sessions?

Common Tools in Industry

Music. Music is often used in Dance/Movement Therapy to help facilitate moods and feelings in a client. (eg: Playing a sad song to help the client connect to and express their sadness)
Mirror. A mirror can be used to help the client become more aware of their body language and movements. (eg: Asking the client to observe themselves in the mirror while making different movements to explore how they feel)
Props. Props such as scarves, hula hoops, and ribbons can be used as tools for movement exploration and expression. (eg: Using a scarf to explore themes of freedom during a movement improvisation)
Creative Arts Materials. Creative arts materials such as paints, clay, or other craft materials can be used as a tool for self-expression. (eg: Creating a sculpture of emotions out of clay to communicate feelings that are difficult to verbalize)
Imagery and Visualization. Imagery and visualization can be used to help clients explore emotions, body sensations, and memories. (eg: Guiding the client to visualize a safe and calming place in order to reduce stress and anxiety)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)
International Association for Dance Movement Therapy (IADMT)
Association for Creative Movement and Dance (ACMD)
European Association for Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT)
World Alliance for Arts Education (WAAE)
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations (NCCATA)
International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA)
American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
Canadian Dance and Somatic Wellness Society (CDSWS)

We also have Occupational Therapist, Recreational Therapist, and Psychotherapist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dance Therapy. A form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to help people express and explore emotions, increase self-awareness, and improve physical health.
Creative Movement. A type of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to help people express themselves and explore their emotions.
Expressive Arts Therapy. A type of therapy that uses the arts to help people express and process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Somatic Therapy. A type of psychotherapy that focuses on the body and its movements to understand emotional and psychological issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A type of therapy that focuses on thoughts and behavior as a way to manage emotional issues.
Mindfulness. The practice of being aware and present in the moment. Mindfulness can be used as a tool in many different types of therapy.
Trauma-Informed Care. A type of care that takes into account the impact of trauma on an individuals mental and physical health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/Movement Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. It is based on the belief that movement can express and transform inner experiences, and can be used to build self-esteem, reduce stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Who practices Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/Movement Therapy is practiced by licensed or certified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals.

What are the benefits of Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/Movement Therapy can be used to improve physical and emotional health, increase self-awareness and self-expression, create a sense of connection with others, and increase resilience in the face of life's challenges.

How long does a Dance/Movement Therapy session typically last?

A Dance/Movement Therapy session typically lasts 45-50 minutes, but the length may vary depending on the individual needs of the client.

Does insurance cover Dance/Movement Therapy?

Insurance coverage for Dance/Movement Therapy varies depending on your insurance plan. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see if this type of therapy is covered.