Here to empower
and support

Dance & Arts Therapy
New Zealand

Dance & Arts Therapy NZ (DTNZ) is a charity committed to the wellbeing and development of communities in Aotearoa.

Our team of professional dance movement and creative arts therapists offer group and individual therapy services that embody the transformative power of dance and art therapy.

We inspire personal growth, healing and positive change for tamariki (children), rangatahi (youth) and tāngata whaikaha (people with disabilities) as well as people of all ages experiencing mental distress or healing from the impact of trauma.

DTNZ supports around 3,000 individuals annually, delivering 5,600 therapy sessions a year to clients across Aotearoa.

Learn More

Our Programmes

Find a safe, empowering space to move, create, and connect. Our creative arts and movement therapy programmes are designed to support diverse needs, abilities, and lived experiences.

We offer regular community group classes across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago for tamariki, rangatahi and adults.

For personalised support we offer individual therapy, school programmes, and ACC trauma recovery support.

Tailored sessions are available nationwide based on therapist availability and clinical demand.

Explore our group and individual therapy options to learn more about local session locations, costs, and available subsidies for you or your whānau.

Programme info

Clinical Dance Movement Therapy Workshops

STARS - Our term-based dance movement therapy sessions designed specifically for neurodivergent and disabled tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth). Click here to enroll in a STARS Programme.

Dance Movement and Art Therapy Community Programmes

Dance 4 Us - Our community dance movement therapy programmes are for neurodivergent and disabled adults and rangatahi. Carers and support workers are warmly encouraged to participate alongside participants to foster a safe, supportive environment. Book a class here via Enrolmy.

Arts 4 Us - Free, drop-in creative art therapy groups running during school terms for primary and secondary-aged tamariki. Explore times and locations.

Children sitting on the floor in a circle, playing a hand drum.
STARS Enrollment Form Link
Dance 4 Us Enrolmy Link
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Support Dance and Arts Therapy New Zealand

DTNZ is grateful to our funding partners, organisations, all our supporters and whānau who have seen the value in the creative-based therapies we offer the community.

Thanks to this generosity we can go above and beyond to provide the best care and expertise for our deserving clients. Find out more about how you can support our organisation’s work.

Support DTNZ
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Our Therapy Team

DTNZ is proud to employ some of the best creative arts therapists in Aotearoa New Zealand. All our clinical therapists have trained in dance movement therapy and/or clinical arts therapy both internationally and locally, and are registered with either ANZACATA or DTAA. We support therapists who are currently completing their training, offering placements in our programmes.

Connect with Our Team

Reach out to learn more about accessing individual therapy or finding the right group programme for you or your whānau.

Contact Us

  • “My child has had a tough few terms at school and has dropped all after school activities except for Arts4Us. They needed a break from the extra-curricular, but still want to come to art every Monday - it's a safe space for them.”

    Parent, Arts 4 Us Specialty

  • “One of my favourite moments as a therapist is witnessing the clients say aloud why they love coming to art. This happened today, and it led to a cacophony of clients sharing their favourite parts of our sessions. They love being together, trying new art materials, and getting to share what they've made with one another. It's amazing to see their confidence grow not just creatively, but in their communication too.”

    - E.M (Therapist) - Arts 4 Us Specialty

  • “Thank you very much for providing well-prepared and meaningful sessions which enabled our students to be engaged and participate independently. I think this is a great program for all our students and would be very happy to have another term of dance/art therapy next year

  • “It is an awesome group. We do all sorts. I enjoy that we do something different each week. My hands get shaky because of nerves. It helps me with my shaking hand. I find through the week I am less shaky. One of the art pieces I took home calms me. I feel really happy after I go. After my flatmate recommended me to the group because Caz takes it, I was looking forward to doing something new because I have worked with Caz before and enjoyed it.”

    A quote from an Arts 4 All client “L” - Term 2 2025

  • At Dance for Us West, there is one participant who always leaves a lasting impression. He uses a wheelchair, but every time he arrives, he asks to be taken out of it so he can join the session on the floor. Though he is unable to move his legs, he engages fully [..] He doesn't just observe; he is part of the dance, of the group, of the energy. What’s even more powerful is the collective awareness and care from everyone. All 60+ participants always make sure to respect his space and move around him with attentiveness and kindness. His smile is contagious, radiating a sense of belonging and freedom [..]. This is what Dance Movement Therapy is about: not the perfection of movement, but the power of connection, expression, and inclusion.

    Client Story/caregiver – The Power of Presence - Dance 4 Us West - 2025