Courses & Requirements
Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy Concentration
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Approved by the American Dance Therapy Association since 1987, the Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy concentration focuses on counseling, the healing potential of the creative experience, and the therapeutic properties of conscious movement sequencing. Students in the Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy concentration are trained in both classical and innovative forms of dance/movement therapy, as well as object relations and self-psychology, the Gestalt-based Moving Cycle, Authentic Movement, and current models of sensorimotor tracking. Woven throughout the curriculum is a focus on inclusivity and the way that one’s particular socio-cultural locations influence the body, expression, and the therapeutic relationship. Dance/Movement Therapy students are invited to dive deeply into the creative process using the tools of imagery, improvisation, rhythm, spontaneity, metaphor, and presence to activate expressivity and aliveness in themselves, and thereby in those with whom they will ultimately work.
American Dance Therapy Association
The Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy concentration is designed in accordance with the training guidelines of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and has been an ADTA-approved program since 1987. The Dance/Movement Therapy concentration fulfills the requirements for the ADTA’s initial registration as a Registered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT). Graduates may apply for the R-DMT credential with the ADTA immediately upon degree completion.
International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association
It is possible for a student graduating from the Somatic Counseling Department to use coursework to fulfill the requirements for the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association’s (ISMETA) certification as a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist (RSMT) and/or Registered Somatic Movement Educator (RSME).
Degree Requirements
First year, fall
CNSS500 Somatic Counseling Orientation Seminar (noncredit)
CNSS610 Social and Multicultural Foundations I (1)
CNSD616 Foundations of Dance/Movement Therapy (3)
CNSS621 Body/Movement Observation and Assessment I (2)
CNSS631 Counseling & Helping Relationships I: Verbal & Nonverbal Skills (3)
CNSS646 Contemplative Practices for Somatic Counseling Contexts I (1)
CNSS736 Current Methods and Skills in Psychotherapy (3)
SUBTOTAL 13
First year, spring
CNSS611 Social and Multicultural Foundations II (2)
CNSS637 Body/Movement Observation and Assessment II (2)
CNSS657 Clinical Neuroscience (3)
CNSS661 Counseling & Helping Relationships II: Verbal & Nonverbal Skills (3)
CNSS751 Group Counseling (3)
SUBTOTAL 13
Second year, fall
CNSS605 Advanced Counseling Skills I (2)
CNSS620 Human Growth and Development (3)
CNSS649 Contemplative Practices for Somatic Counseling Contexts II (1)
CNSD716 Specialized Approaches in Dance/Movement Therapy: Therapist as Artist (2)
CNSS710 Research and Program Evaluation (3)
SUBTOTAL 11
Second year, spring
-
CNSS663 Family Systems: Methods of Family Therapy (3)
-
CNSS790 Counseling Practicum (3)
-
CNSS700 Assessment (3)
-
CNSS756 Advanced Counseling Skills II: Diagnosis and Treatment in Clinical Mental Health (3)
SUBTOTAL 12
Second year, summer (optional)
- CNSG871 Extended Internship I (noncredit)
Third year, fall
CNSD871 Internship I: Dance/Movement Therapy (2)
CNSS834 Master’s Paper Seminar I (1)
CNSS801 Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice (3)
SUBTOTAL 6
Third year, spring
CNSS810 Career Development (3)
CNSS835 Master’s Paper Seminar II (1)
CNSB891 Internship II: Body Psychotherapy (2)
SUBTOTAL 6
Third year, summer (optional)
- CNSG891 Extended Internship II (noncredit)
Total Credits: 61
Connect
with your counselor
Kelly Watt
Senior Director of Admissions
