Dance movement psychotherapist

Entry Requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

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 .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• a good memory

What you'll do:

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

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

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a prison or at a school.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on a rota

Career Path:

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