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Dance movement psychotherapist
Dance movement psychotherapists use dance and movement to help people deal with emotional, psychological and physical issues.
Average salary (a year)
£35000
Starter
£43000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
on a rota
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
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.
More Information
Career Tips
Dance movement therapists offering sessions outside the NHS, or who are are self-employed, may charge between £40 and £60 an hour, depending on their experience.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further Information
You can get more advice about careers in dance movement psychotherapy from the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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 the fine arts
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    To be flexible and open to change
    The ability to understand people’s reactions
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a prison or at a school.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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