The duration of dance therapy training varies depending on the school. The basic training usually takes around two to three years and the advanced training a further two years.

Dance therapists work in homes, clinics, practices, schools and socio-educational institutions, in day clinics, special workshops, psychiatric and psychosomatic medical practices, in psychiatric facilities, in aftercare facilities and counseling centers, in psychosomatic facilities, in the leisure sector or on a self-employed basis.

Depending on the type of dance therapy training and the school, various qualifications are awarded to prospective dance therapists, such as "Dipl. Bewegungsanalytiker/in, Methode Cary Rick (DBA)", "Diplom Tanz- und Kunsttherapeut/in", "Tanz- und Bewegungstherapeut/in" or "Prozessorientierte/r Tanz- und Bewegungstherapeut/in".

The learning content of dance therapy training can vary greatly depending on the school, for example: Theme-centered intervention; motor observation criteria; special groups of people; movement notation; embodiment & intersubjectivity; self-awareness; movement syndromes; person-centered intervention; diagnostics; group supervision, individual supervision; intervision; ICF standards. Other schools focus on improvisation, solo choreography, behavioral patterns, relaxation methods, movement methods, body awareness methods, voice work, breath work, yoga techniques, meditation techniques, shaping psychological and physical space, group choreography, music selection, didactics, body work, expressiveness and conversation.

Special dance experience or even dance training is not necessary for admission to dance therapy training. Normal physical and mental resilience, enjoyment of movement and possibly some practical experience with movement are sufficient.

Training in movement and dance therapy can be particularly enriching for professionals in education and special education, medicine, therapy or movement.