Dance Therapist

Dance therapists use movement and dance to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. They work with individuals and groups of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Dance therapists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and community centers.

What does a Dance Therapist do?

Dance therapists help people express themselves, communicate, and connect with others through dance and movement. They use dance and movement to assess and treat a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions, including:

• Physical disabilities
• Mental illness
• Emotional distress
• Trauma
• Substance abuse

Dance therapists may also work with people who are coping with chronic pain, grief, or loss.

How to become a Dance Therapist

To become a dance therapist, you need a bachelor's degree in dance therapy, counseling, psychology, or a related field. You also need to complete a post-graduate training program in dance therapy. Training programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework in dance therapy theory, practice, and research. After completing your training, you will need to pass a national certification exam to become a certified dance therapist.

Skills and Knowledge

Dance therapists need a strong foundation in dance and movement. They also need to have a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and counseling. Dance therapists should be able to create and lead dance and movement activities, and they should be able to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds. Dance therapists also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Career Prospects

The job outlook for dance therapists is expected to be good over the next few years. As the population ages, there will be a growing need for dance therapists to work with older adults. Dance therapists may also find work in schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics.

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of a dance therapist varies depending on their work setting. In a typical day, a dance therapist might:

• Lead dance and movement activities with individuals or groups
• Assess clients' physical, emotional, and mental health needs
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Document client progress
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Challenges

Dance therapists may face a number of challenges in their work. These challenges include:

• Working with clients who have complex or challenging needs
• Dealing with the emotional intensity of their clients' experiences
• Finding funding for their work
• Overcoming stereotypes about dance therapy

Personal Growth

Dance therapy can be a rewarding and personally fulfilling career. Dance therapists have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their clients. They also have the opportunity to learn about themselves and grow as individuals.

Personality Traits

People who are successful as dance therapists tend to be:

• Creative
• Empathetic
• Patient
• Good listeners
• Team players

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that you can complete to better prepare yourself for a career as a dance therapist. These projects include:

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

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about dance therapy and prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. They can also be a cost-effective way to learn about dance therapy. Through lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs, online courses can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a dance therapist.

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough on their own to prepare you for a career as a dance therapist. You will also need to complete a post-graduate training program in dance therapy. However, online courses can be a great way to get started in the field and to learn more about dance therapy before you commit to a training program.