Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic approach that uses movement and dance to promote emotional, psychological, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. This form of therapy recognizes the innate connection between the mind and the body and utilizes movement as a way of expression and healing.
Due to its creative nature, DMT can be effective for people who are seeking something beyond the usual talk therapy. Based on research, DMT can help with issues such as depression, body image, stress management, and self-confidence. Owing to its effectiveness, the use of DMT has been increasing in the mental health field, leading to the rise of specialised courses in the field. In this article, we will explore some of the top DMT courses in India :
Diploma & Post Graduate Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, TISS)
TISS is one of the most renowned institutes in India. They offer a 3-semester PG diploma in DMT in collaboration with Kolkata Sanved, a DMT initiative based in Kolkata. The course also has an exit option where candidates can discontinue after two semesters. They are awarded a diploma certificate for the same. The course aims to provide learners with advanced-level knowledge and DMT skills that they can use to heal, help, and rehabilitate individuals. The course also offers direct fieldwork and research opportunities to help learners develop practical, application-based skills in DMT.
The Dance Movement Therapy Online Course (Symbiosis Dance and Music Institute, Kolkata)
This is a 6-month online certification course conducted in small batches of 4 students. The course combines theory and practice by providing learners with theoretical knowledge of the origins of DMT in Indian and Western contexts and practical knowledge of the DMT process. The course also talks about the application of DMT in the treatment of depression, ADHD, and anxiety disorders, while also including a dissertation and a separate section on psychology, personality, and human behavior.
Link: https://symbiosisdanceandmusic.com/dance-movement-therapy-co
Certificate Course in Dance Movement Therapy
The Creative Movement Therapy Association of India offers this course. It is a 240-hour hybrid course with online and offline learning. The course aims to provide learners with theoretical and practical knowledge of DMT. Thus, this course covers theoretical frameworks and creative movement experiences from dance therapy, and it also includes the history, principles, goals, approaches, and techniques used in both group and individual sessions, all with extensive supervision.
Link: https://www.cmtai.org/page/certcourse2025
PG Certification in Drama and Movement Therapy,
This is a 450-hour course offered by The Arts Therapist Collab in association with VIMHANS, Delhi. The course aims to empower students with specialised, evidence-based approaches to drama therapy and dance/movement therapy, helping them learn advanced therapeutic skills and interventions.
The course covers various aspects of drama and movement through its 6 modules, beginning from developmental psychology and movement analysis to non-verbal communication and ethics. The inclusion of a 70-hour internship, which includes 20 hours of client work, along with 15 hours of supervision, ensures that learners get practical experience of movement skills. The highly trained course faculty and a comprehensive assessment structure make this course a unique offering
Link: https://www.artstherapists.in/pg-certification-in-drama-and-movement-therapy
Post Graduate Certification in DMT (Sancheti Healthcare Academy, Pune)
This is a 380-hour course, including 60 hours of internship. This course explores key theories in psychology and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), incorporating insights from creative arts therapies. The course aims to combine global dance practices with the cultural heritage of India. What makes this course unique is that it offers a cross-cultural understanding of DMT with 5 ADTA (American Dance Therapy Association)-approved credits.
Link: https://sha.edu.in/pg-certification-in-dance-movement-therapy-course-dmt/
Disclaimer: It is important to note that the above information is based solely on research and has been written only for informational purposes. We do not have any association with or personal experience with any of the courses. Thus, it’s advisable to conduct your own research before enrolling in any course.
References:
- CMTAI. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.cmtai.org/page/cert-course%202023
- Dance / Movement Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/dance-movement-therapy
- Diploma & Post Graduate Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy (with an exit option at the Diploma level)2023—2024 | Admissions, TISS. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://admissions.tiss.edu/view/10/admissions/stp-admissions/diploma-post-graduate-diploma-in-dance-movement-th/
- KOLKATA, S. D. & M. I. (n.d.). SYMBIOSIS DANCE & MUSIC INSTITUTE, KOLKATA. SYMBIOSIS DANCE & MUSIC INSTITUTE, KOLKATA. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://symbiosisdanceandmusic.com/dance-movement-therapy-co
- PG Certification in Dance/Movement Therapy Course, Sancheti Healthcare. (n.d.). Sancheti Healthcare Academy. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://sha.edu.in/pg-certification-dance-movement-therapy/
- PG Certification in Drama and Movement Therapy. (n.d.). The Arts Therapists CoLab. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.artstherapists.in/pg-certification-in-drama-and-movement-therapy
