Dance Therapist at Synapse Resource Center

Position: Volunteer-Dance/Movement Therapist

Expectations: The expectations of this role are set out below:

• Assess patients’ needs or disorders, using body movement or other dance processes and Music
• Communicate patients’ assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
• Conduct dance therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help patients’ recover from or cope with cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
• Incorporate music and games while conducting dance therapy sessions for patients
• Confer with other professionals on patients’ treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
• Design dance/movement therapy sessions or programs to meet patients’ goals or objectives.
• Interpret the body movement of patients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.
• Observe and document patients’ reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to dance/movement therapy.
• Talk with patients during dance or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the dance/movement process.
• Recommend and/or purchase needed dance/game supplies or equipment

Required Skills

• Excellent artistic abilities, creativity, imagination and enthusiasm
• Maturity, patience, calm and respectful manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kindhearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Business skills
• A strong empathy with and commitment to helping people from all walks of life
• Ability to deal with difficult, perhaps painful and embarrassing situations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in treatment.