creative arts therapists
A career as a creative arts therapist is rewarding for many reasons. We're also seeing the demand for this type of therapy increasing at levels we've never experienced before.
This powerful form of psychotherapy enhances a person’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. At DTNZ, we specialist dance movement therapy and art therapy. We use the definitions below:
- Dance movement therapy is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association as a form of psychotherapy that uses movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and wellbeing.
- Art therapy is based on the idea that creativity enhances wellbeing. The methods that might be used include drawing, painting, sculpture, drama therapy, music, narrative and storytelling, creative writing, and poetry.
Education options
If you are interested in pursuing a career in creative arts therapy, there are a few options that you might like to consider that will help you become a dance movement therapist or art therapist. These are:
- International (online) or Auckland - Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa: Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy and Intro to DMT workshops
- Auckland - Whitecliffe College: School of Creative Arts Therapies
- Auckland - University of Auckland: Masters in Dance Movement Therapy
Additional clinical experience and/or training may be necessary with some of the options listed above, in order to practice as a creative arts therapist. A good way to begin your pathway into studying Dance Movement Therapy is to attend a workshop or experiential group. Please email if you have any questions.
where can you work
Some of the career options you will have as a creative arts therapist include working in:
•School counselling
• Community mental health settings
• Disability services
• Private practice
• Drug and alcohol services
• Trauma services (including ACC)
