To the sceptic, dance therapy may seem an unreliable source of healing any real medical issues, the ADTA in particular has been recognized by the Department of Heath and Human Services and has been especially helpful in the improvement of abilities in certain neurologically damaged patients. The ADTA has been certified by several Federal Civil Service Certifications and has also been rewarded with several Federal Medical Research grants.
The process to become a R-DMT (Registered Dance Movement Therapist) requires a level of competency in several areas of dance but also undergraduate coursework in dance and psychology areas of study as well as a degree at the Master's level. There are several institutions of higher education that can help one interested in pursuing this type of training. Working with children also has specific training requirements.
As a dancer for 16+ years, I can provide personal testimony to the healing powers of dance not only physically but psychologically. Dance therapy can be helpful to the skilled dancer as well as those who have never danced a minute in their life. Using dance as a psychotherapeutic power to integrate members of therapy emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. The use of dance as a universal way to unite members of a community is also an important aspect of the dance/movement therapy philosophy.
