Dance/Movement Therapist

A Dance/Movement Therapist works with people to improve their physical, emotional and social wellbeing using dance and movement. They will work with people from all backgrounds, providing therapy across the lifecycle, from early years through to older age, working with various disabilities and conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Skills

Dance/Movement Therapists requires an extensive skillset:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• A good understanding of anatomy, physiology, and psychology
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Creativity and imagination
• Patience and empathy
• Good physical fitness
• A passion for dance and movement

Tools and Equipment

Depending on your workplace, you may have access to various tools and equipment to aid your work. Some of these include:

• Music players
• Sound systems
• Mirrors
• Props
• Dance mats

Day-to-Day Work

The day-to-day work of a Dance/Movement Therapist can vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, some common tasks include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their needs and goals
• Developing and implementing treatment plans
• Leading group or individual therapy sessions
• Documenting client progress
• Consulting with other professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers

Career Growth

With experience, Dance/Movement Therapists may take on leadership roles, such as:

• Clinical supervisor
• Program manager
• Researcher
• Educator

Projects

Dance/Movement Therapists may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing new treatment programs
• Conducting research on the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy
• Creating educational materials for clients and professionals

Personal Growth

Dance/Movement Therapists have the opportunity to grow in many ways, including:

• Developing their knowledge and skills in dance/movement therapy
• Increasing their understanding of human behavior
• Growing their empathy and compassion

Personality Traits

Successful Dance/Movement Therapists tend to have the following personality traits:

• Patient
• Empathetic
• Creative
• Imaginative
• Good communication skills
• Strong work ethic

Self-Guided Projects

There are many self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a Dance/Movement Therapist. Some of these projects include:

• Taking dance and movement classes
• Volunteering at a dance/movement therapy center
• Reading books and articles about dance/movement therapy
• Attending workshops and conferences on dance/movement therapy

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about dance/movement therapy and prepare for a career in the field. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn about the history, theory, and practice of dance/movement therapy. Students can also learn about the different populations that dance/movement therapists work with, and the different settings in which dance/movement therapy is practiced. There are a variety of online courses available, and students can choose the courses that best fit their interests and needs.

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Dance/Movement Therapist. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare for a career in the field. Students will also need to gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. With a combination of online courses and practical experience, students can prepare themselves for a successful career as a Dance/Movement Therapist.