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 children, youth/rangatahi 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 over 3,000 individuals annually, delivering 6,000 therapy sessions/year to clients.

Our Programmes

We offer clinical group and individual creative arts therapy along with community art and dance therapy programmes throughout New Zealand. Each of our programmes are facilitated by trained therapists using evidence-based techniques to maximise the benefit to our clients.

Find out more about our art therapy or dance movement therapy programmes, including the benefits, locations, and any costs involved.

Support Dance and Arts Therapy New Zealand

DTNZ is grateful to our funding partners, organisations and all of the individuals 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.

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.

Get in touch if you are interested in engaging with one of the team for individual or group therapy!

  • “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