Sarah Lawrence adds Dance/Movement Therapy program

New Program in Dance/Movement Therapy

at Sarah Lawrence College

Open Houses in April, May, June

Sarah Lawrence College has announced a new graduate degree program in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), with applications now being accepted for the first class entering, fall 2012. Open Houses will be held on campus to explain the program, of which dance is at the core, on April 16, May 8 and June 11 from 5:30–7:30. For more information please call (914) 395 2371 or click here to email.

The Program’s director, Cathy Appel, a Sarah Lawrence alumna with 20 years of clinical experience in the field of Dance/Movement Therapy, founded in 1992, the Creative and Movement Arts Psychotherapy Program at  the International Center for the Disabled a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility in Manhattan. Her vision and commitment to integrating the creative arts into mental health treatment made Appel’s contributions unique in ICD’s Behavioral Medicine Department.

Dance/Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual. It is based on the empirically supported premise that the body and mind are interconnected and interact in health and illness.

Sarah Lawrence has an unusually high percentage of graduates in the field of  DMT. In 1966, several SLC alumni were among the founders of the American Dance Therapy Association, the first organization in the world to establish and maintain standards of professional education and competence in the field.

Appel, who came to Sarah Lawrence as an undergraduate following a career in dance, has remained involved with the College, supervising many SLC graduate and undergraduate service learning interns and teaching as guest faculty in the Dance program. “We are looking for students with a background in dance who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others,” she said. “Graduates of this program will be well prepared to take advantage of the recent advances in neuroscience research that have created new opportunities for Dance/Movement Therapy professionals.  The program will also provide a setting for ongoing research and innovation among established practitioners.”

Dean of Graduate Studies Susan Guma, who has worked closely with  Appel in developing the program, observed, “The College’s interdisciplinary approach to education and the strength of its programs in dance, psychology, child development and health advocacy combine to create an unparalleled opportunity to prepare students to enter the growing field of Dance/Movement Therapy.”

Sara Rudner, Director of the Sarah Lawrence Dance Program, said in an announcement about the program to other college dance programs: “ For many, many years, if not decades, I have been pondering how dance could reach its full potential as a life enhancing – sometimes even life-preserving – pursuit. 

Applications are due April 15, but admission is on a rolling basis and may be submitted through July 15. 

 For more information, click here to email Program Director Cathy Appel, or call the Graduate Office at (914) 395-2371.