Discover Career Pathways for Dance/Movement Theories & Practice Graduates
Quick Facts
64
Credits
800
Hours
Clinical
Experience
2
Body
Psychotherapy or
Dance/Movement
Therapy
Connect
with your counselor
Jeffrey Neering
Dance/Movement Theories & Practice Courses
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The Naropa Difference
Naropa’s graduate dance therapy program is grounded in the belief that humans are already whole and primed for growth. Using a contemplative, integrated approach, students will use body movement therapy as a means of helping themselves—and future clients—support and expand their existing wellness.
What is Dance/Movement Theories & Practice at Naropa?
The body (soma in Greek) has powerful potential for healing the mind and spirit. As you earn your dance therapy degree at Naropa, you’ll learn to view the relationship between the mind and body as a fluid exchange in which one influences the other. This dance of energy and insight between body and mind is at the root of the somatic experience.
Graduate dance therapy students gain a strong theoretical foundation in somatic movement therapy. They also practice mindfulness training and gain rigorous clinical experience. The ultimate goal is for each of our graduates to become self-aware, compassionate therapists who nurture mind-body synchronization.
Movement Therapy Certification
Naropa’s Somatic Counseling tracks are designed to help students gain the certifications they need for successful careers as dance and movement therapists.
Students in either Somatic Counseling track (Dance/Movement Theories & Practice or Body Psychotherapy) can apply their coursework towards earning their International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association’s certification as a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and/or a Registered Somatic Movement Educator.
Upon graduation, students in the dance/movement Theories & Practice concentration will have fulfilled the requirements for the American Dance Therapy Association’s initial registration as a Registered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT). Program graduates can apply for the R-DMT credential as soon as their degree is completed.
Clinical Experience & Fulfilling Careers
Your second year in the Dance/Movement Theories & Practice track begins with supervision and mentoring during a 100-hour practicum. You’ll then begin your 700-hour internship journey in your third year, participating in collaborative team meetings and receiving clinical supervision as you lead dance therapy sessions and groups. Naropa faculty will fully support you in your transition from student therapist to professional, practicing dance therapist.
Upon graduation from the dance/movement Theories & Practice program, our alumni work as individual and family therapists, program coordinators, dance and movement therapists, and more. Wherever your professional life leads you, your clinical internship experience will serve as a strong foundation for a future of compassionate, mindful service.