Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Davis

Hi Diane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I grew up in Southern Utah and started dancing at age 5. Dance quickly became a meaningful outlet for me, especially as I struggled with anxiety throughout my childhood and teenage years. It was a way for me to express myself and feel seen without needing to talk, and became an important part of my identity.

As I grew to love dance more, I earned a dance scholarship that led me to pursue college, where I completed a BS in Dance Education and a BFA in Modern Dance at Utah Valley University. While I loved performing, I struggled with audition anxiety and gravitated toward dance education instead. In 2017, I moved to Las Vegas for my first full-time teaching position as a high school dance teacher. Although I was passionate about dance, I realized within three years that this role wasn’t the right fit for me, and I started looking for ways to transition into something that combined my love of movement with my interest in mental health.

I remembered a research project I had done as an undergraduate on the benefits of dance/movement therapy for individuals with dementia. This inspired me to pursue my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy at Lesley University in Boston. Moving across the country for graduate school was a big step, but it allowed me to dive deeper into how movement can promote healing and wellness.

After graduating, I returned to Las Vegas to begin my licensure process as a Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC). This involved applying for a state intern license, completing 3,000 hours of supervised practice as a mental health counselor, and passing the NCMHCE exam. I also meet weekly with a primary supervisor and monthly with a secondary supervisor.

On top of those requirements, I worked toward becoming a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). After earning my Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential, I needed additional clinical hours specifically within the realm of DMT and at least 40 hours of supervision with a BC-DMT.

Now, I’m preparing to apply for my BC-DMT credential this January and will complete my hours for CPC licensure in February. Throughout this journey, I’ve seen the transformative power of movement and incorporating the body in mental health—both in my personal life and with the clients and communities I serve. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others improve their wellness through body awareness and creative expression, and I feel fortunate to work in a field that brings so much meaning to my life and career.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road to where I am today hasn’t always been smooth—it’s been full of challenges, but each one has taught me something valuable. The first major hurdle was realizing I needed to go back to school. I’ve never been a big fan of school, but earning a master’s degree is a requirement to become a registered dance/movement therapist. Accepting that and committing to the process was a big step.

Another challenge was financial. All of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)-approved programs are at private universities, and tuition alone is over $60,000. Taking out student loans to pursue this path was a difficult but necessary decision, and it’s a financial commitment I’ll be dealing with for many years.

Moving out of Las Vegas, which had become my home, was another struggle. All the approved programs are located in colder climates, and I’ve never been a fan of winter. Then, right before moving to Boston and starting my program, the COVID pandemic hit, and everything transitioned online. I missed out on a lot of the in-person experiences that are so critical to this field. It’s something I still feel sad about at times, but ultimately, the important thing is that I earned my degree and gained the foundational knowledge I needed to move forward.

When I returned to Las Vegas and applied for my intern license, my application was denied—not once but twice. I had to appeal the decision, attending a Board meeting via Zoom to make my case. Ultimately, they required me to re-do my practicum experience in person, which was another big hurdle. My university worked with me to create an independent study course since I was already back in Vegas and couldn’t return to Boston for the practicum. It was especially challenging because most programs only allow practicum courses for currently enrolled students, and I had already graduated. During this time, I was also working full-time to pay bills since my practicum work was unpaid, which made it an exhausting and stressful period.

Initially, finding opportunities to incorporate dance/movement therapy techniques into my work was another challenge. However, through supervision with BC-DMT mentors, I’ve learned how to integrate these techniques into individual therapy sessions. Networking has also been key—I’ve created opportunities within my community to lead dance/movement therapy classes, therapeutic groups, in-service presentations, and more.

While the journey hasn’t been easy, the challenges have helped me grow in resilience and creativity. They’ve strengthened my commitment to this work and my belief in the importance of the mind-body connection.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am a mental health counselor and dance/movement therapist, and my work focuses on helping individuals connect with their bodies to support emotional healing and mental well-being. I specialize in dance/movement therapy, with a particular focus on working with older adults, including those with dementia, as well as individuals dealing with anxiety disorders.

One of the things I’m most proud of is bringing more creative arts therapy options to Nevada. Dance/movement therapy is still relatively new and uncommon here, and I’m one of very few practitioners in Las Vegas. In fact, I only know of one other dance/movement therapist currently practicing in the city, so that in itself sets me apart.

What also makes my journey unique is the path I took to get here. I didn’t start in psychology or mental health—instead, I began in the dance world, performing and teaching. Realizing that I could use movement not just as an art form but as a tool for healing and connection was a transformative experience for me.

I’m dedicated to blending creativity with evidence-based mental health practices to help people improve their quality of life. Seeing clients grow, express themselves, and find relief through movement is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Dance/movement therapy is best understood by experiencing it! If you’ve ever felt like words couldn’t fully express what you’re feeling, or if you’re curious about how movement can support mental health, I encourage you to explore dance/movement therapy. It’s an incredible way to connect with your body and mind in a meaningful way. Often, when individuals hit a plateau with traditional talk-therapy, a creative arts therapy approach is the next step for them.

Pricing:

• Individual session (must reside in Nevada): $165/55 minutes
• Group session: $180/60 minutes
• *Quotes for specialized events available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianedancemovementtherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianedancemovementtherapy_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Diane-Dance-Movement-Therapy-61551304919400/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dancemovementtherapylv

Image Credits

Headshot: Carosfootprint/Carolyn Lajara
Group photo with heart emojis: Prospect House Assisted Living and Memory Care
Photo of presentation: JFSA Las Vegas
Studio photos: Millennium Dance Complex Las Vegas
Women group photo: Julia Pizzi