Dance movement psychotherapist — Molly Grey

Find out more about Molly's role as a dance movement psychotherapist and how her Masters qualification has opened up new career options to her

What degree course did you study and where?

I graduated with a BA Hons Dance, Performance and Teaching, before going on to do a PGDip Community Dance. After working as a freelance dance practitioner for several years, I completed the MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy at the University of Derby, graduating in 2022.

How did you get your job?

After completing my degree and PGDip, I set up my own business, Molly Freelance Dance. I built up a vast amount of experience as a freelance community dance practitioner, working with a range of groups and clientele. As a self-employed sole trader, I was able to add dance movement psychotherapy as another strand to my business after completing my MA.

What's a typical working day like?

As a freelance practitioner, my day-to-day work varies. I can be working as a dance facilitator with adults with learning disabilities in a community centre, with the elderly in a care home, or with patients with brain trauma or neurological conditions on a hospital ward. I also work in mainstream and SEN schools doing dance movement psychotherapy with children. Each day brings something different and exciting.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy meeting a range of people from all walks of life, as well as being creative through the art form of dance and using its therapeutic qualities to help aid better wellbeing and outlook on life.

What are the challenges?

Building rapport and reputation takes time and effort, but it is worth it in the long run. Those core relationships and networks are invaluable in building a successful business.

In what way is your degree relevant?

The tools, knowledge, practice and understanding I learned throughout my Masters degree has allowed me to build upon my current knowledge base and to further my career and open up more opportunities moving forward.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

I now have the option to practise as a dance movement psychotherapist which has allowed me to open my practice to more people and more organisations. My aim has always been to make dance accessible to as many people as possible, and this new strand has allowed for this to happen.

What are your top tips for choosing a Masters?

Choose a Masters that is vocational and that gives you a qualification where you can practise after graduating. Make sure it's something you are passionate about and want to pursue wholeheartedly as you will delve deep into both yourself and the subject.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Be open minded and inclusive, trust the process and have a good support network around you to flourish.
• It takes time to build your own business, so make the effort to develop relationships and networks as these will be invaluable in establishing your reputation.
• Keep developing your skills and practice throughout your career as this will help you to further develop your career and open up new options.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a dance movement psychotherapist.
• See what the healthcare sector has to offer.