Healing in Motion: Dance Therapy Techniques

For some of us, baking a cake, talking to a close friend, wandering through the park, or even dancing feels like our own kind of therapy. Technically, these moments are “therapeutic,” not “therapy.” But what if there was a way to blur that line? Enter Dance Therapy, or Dance Movement Therapy (DT / DMT), where healing happens as your body sways to the rhythm and your emotions find freedom in movement. Imagine this: instead of sitting across from a talk therapist or psychologist, you meet a Dance Therapist. And you, the client, are not confined to a couch but are invited to let your body move, expressing what words sometimes cannot. So take this as a guide from our side for all the upcoming “Dance Therapists”, as this would help you in understanding and getting a glimpse on:

• What exactly is DT ?

• What are the techniques used ?

• Institutes offering a diploma or master’s degree in DT.

• Career paths and future opportunities await those who specialize in DT? 

Dance Therapy uses movement and dance to help clients connect with and express their emotions. It’s often applied to support mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and low self-esteem dementia, eating disorders amongst others. So, if a client—whether in the present or future—finds that traditional talk therapy isn’t resonating as much, dance therapy could be a powerful alternative. But before we dive in, let’s explore some of the most creative techniques used in this expressive approach: 
1. Mirroring:

Have you ever gazed into a mirror and watched your own movements echo back at you? That is the essence of “mirroring” in Dance Movement Therapy. Imagine expressing yourself through dance, and to see your therapist gracefully echo your every gesture. This powerful, non-verbal technique is a favorite among therapists for building trust and deepening the connection with their clients.

2. Prop-Assisted dance:

While DMT is rooted in non-verbal expression, sometimes a simple prop, a handful of materials, or even just a chair can help clients bring their inner world to life. These tools can spark new waves of creativity and unlock the imagination in unexpected ways.

3. Circular form dancing:

Have you ever noticed the rush of energy and connection that comes from dancing in a big group? In Dance Movement Therapy, this very idea is celebrated for its power to bring people together, weaving a sense of unity through shared movement. Dancing side by side with others can spark a feeling of emotional safety, turning the dance floor into a space where everyone belongs. Imagine a group therapy session, but instead of words, your body does all the talking through joyful movement.

After every DMT session, the therapist might add notes about what they observed while the client was moving during the session. Because unlike talk therapy notes are traditionally recorded after the session is complete in this case. Clients may also be given activities that might require them to journal their feelings or emotions.

If you are ready to begin your journey as a certified DMT or DT practitioner, specialized training or a Master's degree will open the door to this rewarding field. Explore these universities and organizations to discover your next step:

Dance Movement Therapy Trainings in India:

• Certificate level - DMT-Facilitator - Creative Movement Therapy Association of India (CMTAI)

• PG Diploma - DMT Practitioner- TATC & VIMHANS Delhi; TISS & Kolkata Sanved, Mumbai

• Masters Program - DMT Therapist - Sancheti Academy, Pune

• Apart from this there are Expressive Arts Therapy programs in India.

Other Institutes India:

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences. 

• Sancheti Healthcare Academy.

• Jadavpur University. 

• Rabindra Bharthi University. 

Abroad:  

• University of Melbourne. 

• University of Auckland. 

• University of Roehampton. 

• Sarah Lawrence College. 

Now that you have completed your formal education and supervised practicum, it is time for the most exciting part: putting your skills into action. Dance Movement Therapists are needed in a variety of settings, including schools, college campuses, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private practices, to name just a few. So, are you ready to take the leap and see where this guide can take you on your career journey? Only time will tell! Until the next blog post, take good care of yourselves, you wonderful human beans!