How to Become a Dance Therapist

As a dance therapist, you help people work through emotional problems like self-esteem, body image and communication barriers. You also show them how to cope with fear, anger and stress. Follow these steps to start your career.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start dancing as early as possible in your life. Graduate programs require you have serious dance experience. Dance therapists need to understand the healing power of dance by doing it.

2. Decide what settings you'd like to work in. Dance therapy for girls with eating disorders is different from working with the elderly. You could combine your work with other alternative healing methods like meditation and yoga, if you want to work at a wellness center.

3. Get your bachelor's degree in the performing or liberal arts. Take as many psychology courses as you can fit into your schedule because graduate schools will expect you to know the basics.

4. Check out accredited graduate programs on the American Dance Therapy Association's site. This paves the way to registration with the ADTA.

5. Join the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). They offer an annual conference, job postings, a listserv and resources, including information for students.

6. Get the Dance Therapist Registered (DTR) qualification from ADTA. It gives you professional status to work in rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities and educational institutions.

7. Go for an Academy of Dance Therapists Registered (ADTR) qualification to teach or supervise therapists in training.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider learning about the Feldenkrais method to enhance your movements as a dance therapist.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Find the ADTA list of approved educational programs here.
• Check out the American Dance Therapy Association's website.
• Read about the Feldenkrais method and dance here.