Frequently Asked Questions

Personal therapy should be undertaken with a Dance Movement Psychotherapist who is registered as a professional member of ADMP UK, as a private practitioner. You can search our therapist profiles here.

You do not need any dance experience to access Dance Movement Psychotherapy, as the aim is not on the finished product or dancing in an aesthetically pleasing way. One of the focuses in a Dance Movement Psychotherapy session is finding ways of moving that feel right for you, and therefore you do not need any prior skill or experience in dancing.

Dance Movement Psychotherapy is not a dance class, and the focus is on finding movements in response to your experience and emotions. Therefore, learning specific dance styles is not part of the traditional offer made by a DMP in a therapy session.

Dance Movement Psychotherapists train at Masters level, and are accredited through ADMP UK. Some DMPs may also hold membership with UKCP. Some DMPs may have pursued a PhD. All DMPs maintain continuing professional development and attend regular courses and workshops to deepen their knowledge and skills as practitioners.

Dance Movement Psychotherapists have been trained at a Masters level in psychotherapy and can therefore safely explore difficult issues with their clients in a deep, exploratory manner. Psychotherapy can be fun, but it can also be hard work. The aims of therapeutic dance will be different from a psychotherapy session and may include having fun or creating an end ‘product’.

There is space within DMP sessions for verbal reflections as well as movement and non-verbal reflection.

Each Dance Movement Therapist has their own manner of practice, and no two DMP sessions look the same. However, generally a session will have space for a check-in, warm up, movement and exploration, and reflection.

There are no specific clothing requirements for a Dance Movement Psychotherapy session, however it is recommended you wear something you are comfortable moving in. You do not need to bring a change of clothes unless you want to.