What is dance movement psychotherapy? It is a powerful therapy approach that uses movement to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Rooted in the idea that movement is a natural form of self-expression, DMP helps individuals process emotions, build self-awareness, and foster healing.
This course is ideal if you are a complete beginner in the field of dance movement psychotherapy and are considering making a career change, or if you have a child who is attending dance movement psychotherapy sessions, and you would like to gain a better understanding of how it works. Whilst a recognised qualification is required in order to legally practice as a dance movement psychotherapist, studying the topic with us will enable you to gain invaluable insight into the role and deepen your understanding of the practice. It will also help you in deciding whether this career choice is for you, before you commit to further study.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Dance and Movement Psychotherapy, guiding you through its principles, techniques, and real-world applications. You'll start by understanding how DMP works and what makes it such an effective form of therapy. From there, you'll uncover the fascinating history of movement therapy and its cultural significance in healing practices.
Delving into the science behind DMP, you'll learn how movement affects the brain, emotional regulation, and mental health. The course also introduces key therapeutic techniques such as mirroring, breathwork, and guided improvisation, explaining how to create meaningful movement-based interventions. You'll discover how DMP is used in hospitals, schools, and community settings to support individuals with anxiety, PTSD, autism, and dementia.
By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate body movement and dance in psychotherapy into your personal practice as a tool for self-development.
By studying this course, you will:
- Learn the foundations and principles of Dance Movement Psychotherapy
- Understand the science behind movement and its impact on mental health
- Explore key therapy techniques such as mirroring and guided movement
- Discover how DMP supports individuals with anxiety, PTSD, autism, and more
- Learn how to design personalised therapy sessions and interventions
- Gain insight into career pathways, qualifications, and ethical considerations in DMP