Creativity enhances wellbeing
Creative Art Therapist Training
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 specialise in offering student placements to dance movement therapy and art therapy students nationwide.
Training Options
If you are studying the following you would be eligible for placements with Dance & Arts Therapy NZ.
Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa - Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy
Whitecliffe College - Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)
As a placement student at DTNZ you’re not an extra, you’re a valued member of our team and whānau and we rely on you to help us create meaningful moments for our clients.
You’ll start as a Second Assistant, shadowing lead therapists, assisting with groups, and receiving regular 1-on-1 mentoring to reflect on your learning. As you gain confidence, you can step into a Lead Assistant role where you'll begin running parts of sessions yourself—building up to 10 hours of direct session leadership over the year.
Join DTNZ for genuine hands-on experience, regular supervision, and a supportive team dedicated to your growth as a Dance Movement or Creative Arts Therapist.
To express your interest, please contact:
Our Programmes Coordinator, Elly Reeve (she/her).
Email : programmes@dancetherapy.co.nz
Where You Can 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)
Professional Associations
Creative art therapists are highly trained. In New Zealand, only those therapists with professional or provisional professional membership with Dance Therapy Association of Australasia or American Dance Therapy Association (or an equivalent recognised body) can deliver creative-based therapies. All of the therapists at Dance & Art Therapy NZ meet these standards.
Some of these are listed below:
Work with Us under our ACC Sensitive Claims Contract
DTNZ is looking for new ACC Sensitive Claims providers to work with us to deliver therapeutic services to clients who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma via the ACC Sensitive Claims contract.
If you’re a registered psychologist, counsellor, or social worker, or creative arts therapist with ANZACATA membership and want to explore innovative approaches to therapy, please get in touch.
