Movement therapy involves physical exercises, body awareness, breathing techniques, and meditation to manage well-being. Advanced training and a degree in dance/movement therapy, anatomy and physiology, and kinesiology are required to become a movement therapist. Alternative routes are available for those with related degrees. ADTA-approved programs are necessary for registration.
Movement therapy, also called mind-body exercise, is a type of therapy that involves physical exercises, body awareness, breathing techniques and a form of meditation. It is often useful for people who want to manage their own well-being. To become a movement therapist, advanced training is required. Many people interested in movement therapy are also interested in alternative therapies such as yoga or Quigong, a technique used to balance the chi, or life force energy in the body.
To become a movement therapist, you must have a general knowledge of and love for dance. Dance teaching should include general techniques, choreography, and general teaching experience. Also required is a general education in anatomy and physiology, the study of the body and how it works, and kinesiology or how the body moves. Volunteering at places like summer camps, retirement homes and dance schools are excellent ways to determine if an advanced degree in movement therapy is the right fit for you.
As movement therapists work with individuals with emotional, social, cognitive or behavioral conditions associated with physical conditions such as pain issues, physical limitations or general conditioning, movement therapists must obtain training and, in most cases, an advanced degree . It is recommended that movement therapist education be approved by ADTA or the American Dance Therapy Association.
The Dance Therapist Registration (DTR) or Dance Academy Therapist Registration (ADTR), is an advanced level registration that guarantees the level of education, training and experience of a movement therapist. It means a level of experience commensurate with teaching movement therapy in a variety of settings. Movement therapy courses must be taught by an ADTR instructor and upon completion of your education you will be eligible to enroll.
But there are alternative methods to gain the necessary knowledge and credentials to become a movement therapist. Some movement therapy practitioners earn a postgraduate degree in movement therapy. Others obtain training through alternative routes to supplement an existing master’s degree. The alternate route is for individuals who are studying or have completed studies in a related field such as psychology or special education and have a broad interest and experience in dance or movement.
To become a movement therapist, you must earn a degree from an approved degree program in dance/movement therapy. This ensures that you meet all professional requirements necessary for Registration. Currently, there are six ADTA-approved graduate programs. More information on the specifics of a movement therapist career can be found at the American Dance Therapy Association.
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