Dance Movement Therapy

What is Dance Movement Therapy?

Movement as an art of healing is known as dance movement therapy, defined by the American Dance Therapy Association as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.”

DMT is a therapeutic exposure of psychological and emotional issues that lie deeply buried in the mind and thus release them through movements.

Differences between Regular Dancing and Dance Movement Therapy.

Regular Dancing.

• It focuses on the use of dance skills, dance styles and techniques.
• It is a recreational activity done for enjoyment, leisure or pleasure.
• Its major tool is energy.

Dance Movement Therapy

• Movements are symbolic, created to help an individual recover/ heal and can represent unconscious material/processes.
• Body and mind are interconnected so that a change in one impacts the other.
• Its major tool is the mind.
• Participant does not have to be a dancer, anybody can be engaged, physically challenged, emotionally deranged and physically fit.

What happens during Dance Movement Therapy sessions?

In a dance and movement therapy session, a dance and movement therapist guides individuals through well-structured improvisational body movement. This means, while participants are not constricted to a strict routine, they are guided towards body awareness, body image exercises, inner focus work, circle dances, and tension release exercises, including games such as; Role- playing, Dancing, karaoke etc. Just as words and conversation are tools to walk patients through talk therapy, and art works through art therapy, movements are the main assessment and mode of intervention used in dance movement therapy.

Benefits of Dance and Movement Therapy

• Movement and dance reflect a person’s unconscious processes and personality.
• Helps to resolve unresolved trauma.
• Give taboo topics a voice.
• Provide a way to process and release stress, internal fears, conflicts, and worries
• Dance movement therapy facilitate changes in an individual’s mood.
• It can also improve a person’s behaviour and physical function.
• Serves as a coping skill.
• Eases boredom.
• physical fitness.

Who should enroll?

Everyone; physically Challenged, emotionally deranged, addiction recovery patients, special needs, physically fit individual.

Conclusion

Dance therapy is about helping clients to integrate the mental and physical sides of life, thereby applying a range of techniques to help the client with whatever issues s/he may be facing. Just like other therapies, dance therapist uses written treatment plans with goals and keep records to track the progress of the clients. Also, consult with doctors, nurses or counsellors as needed.

Things You Should Know

If you or someone you love is thinking about art therapy, there are some common misconceptions and facts you should know.

You Don't Have to Be Artistic

People do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy, and people of all ages including children, teens, and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health.

It's Not the Same as an Art Class

People often wonder how an art therapy session differs from an art class. Where an art class is focused on teaching technique or creating a specific finished product, art therapy is more about letting clients focus on their inner experience.

In creating art, people are able to focus on their own perceptions, imagination, and feelings. Clients are encouraged to create art that expresses their inner world more than making something that is an expression of the outer world.