Our focus this month has been on health/wellness and injury, and today we have Rosana Hernandez with us to talk about the field of dance therapy…
by Rosana Hernandez, MS, R-DMT
1) What exactly is dance therapy?
Dance/movement therapy is the magical and natural beauty of dance juxtaposed with its profound therapeutic value. The American Dance Therapy Association defines dance/movement as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, social, cognitive and physical integration of the individual.”
Dance/movement therapy focuses on the movement behavior as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship. Movement is the primary means of assessment and intervention. Through the creative process of dance, patients are challenged to trust the present and to welcome questions. To navigate unknown paths and to recognize their fears and resistances that hinders them from expressing themselves genuinely. Dance/movement infuses hope by providing a listening ear through movement and a symbolic outlet of expression for physical and emotional needs. Dance/movement therapy is a platform for wholeness, reconciliation and corrective experiences.
2) How does one become a dance therapist?
The dance/movement therapy credential is obtained at the graduate level. After the completion of an ADTA Approved Graduate Program or the Alternate Route and acceptance by the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board, the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential is rewarded. R-DMT is the first level of entry in the profession. With additional requirements and supervision experience, the Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT) is attained. BC-DMT is the advanced level of the dance/movement therapy practice. BC-DMT can engage in private practice and provide training and supervision in dance/movement therapy. The American Dance Therapy Association website has a list of ADTA Approved Graduate Programs and Alternate Route guidelines (www.adta.org).
3) Where do dance therapists work? [Read more…]