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Dance movement psychotherapist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£37,000 Starter

to

£53,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

More Information

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.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a dance movement psychotherapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to Higher Education Psychology

  • Provider: NORTHERN COLLEGE FOR RESIDENTIAL ADULT EDUCATION LIMITED(THE)
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: BARNSLEY

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Psychology)

  • Provider: EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Eastbourne
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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