Dance Movement Psychotherapists
What dance movement psychotherapists do, how they are registered in the UK, how to check a registration, and NHS and private routes. General information only, not personal advice.
What Dance Movement Psychotherapists Do
Dance movement psychotherapy is a relational form of psychotherapy in which you and the therapist engage creatively through body movement and dance, alongside talking and quiet reflection. It offers a way to express and communicate when words are hard to find, and it takes the whole person into account — how you live in your body, your feelings, thoughts, relationships and the social world around you. No dance experience is needed; it is not a dance class, and the focus is on finding movement that feels right for you rather than learning steps. Sessions may be individual or in groups, and take place in clinical, community, educational and independent settings. Practitioners work with people across the lifespan facing neurological, psychological, relational or social difficulties, and with those who simply want to develop creative self-understanding.
Registration and Titles
Practitioners train to master’s level and register with the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK. Some also hold registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy.
How to Check a Registration
Check the practitioner appears on the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK professional register. Registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy is optional, so some practitioners will also appear there.
- Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK professional register
- UK Council for Psychotherapy register
Our guide on how to check a register explains what to look for. Every practitioner on Therapist Circle shows their register and number on their profile so you can check it yourself.
NHS and Other Routes
Dance movement psychotherapy is offered in some NHS mental health, learning disability, eating disorder and child services, but it is not available everywhere. Access is usually through a referral from a team already involved in your care. Schools, charities and community projects sometimes fund it too, so ask locally.
See finding NHS support and free and low-cost therapy for more routes.
Private Sessions and Fees
Private fees vary by area, experience, session length and setting, so ask each practitioner for their fee, cancellation terms and any reduced-fee places before booking. Our guide to fees, private practice and NHS routes explains what to ask.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
- Which register are you on, and what is your registration number?
- What experience do you have with the kind of difficulty I have?
- How long are sessions, how often, and what do they cost?
- Do you offer online, phone or in-person sessions?
Find Dance Movement Psychotherapists
Other Professions
Informed by: Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK. Not affiliated with any professional body. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111, Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999 if life is at risk.