Dance/ movement therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses movement and dance as a way to approach physical, emotional or social issues. Founded on the belief that there is a strong correlation between movement and emotion, therapists practicing Dance/ movement therapy use the expressive nature of dance to observe, analyse and evaluate the client. The principal of Dance / movement therapy is that our movements reflect our patterns emotions and thoughts and this therapy aims to give freedom movement for emotional, mental and spiritual growth. Dance-movement Therapy can help to improve a wide range of issues including stress, self-esteem and body image and can be especially helpful for individual’s with developmental or communication problems. Dance therapy works with the body as a means of communication and this therapy is suited to individuals who find verbal communication challenging.
What Can Dance-movement Therapy assist with?
Dance-movement therapists work with individuals in therapy to assist them improve their body image and self-esteem. Dance/movement therapy is a versatile form of therapy based on the idea that motion and emotion are interconnected. The creative expression of dance therapy can bolster communication skills and inspire dynamic relationships. It is usually used to treat physical, psychological, cognitive, and social issues such as:
Mental Health issues assisted by Dance-movement therapy: Anxiety, Depression, Disordered eating, Poor self-esteem, Post-traumatic stress. Physical Issues assisted by Dance-movement therapy include Chronic pain, Childhood obesity, Arthritis, Hypertension and Cardiovascular disease. Cognitive Issues assisted by Dance-movement therapy include Dementia and Communication issues. Social Issues assisted by Dance-movement therapy include Aggression/violence, Social interaction.
Who would benefit from Dance-movement therapy?
Dance-movement therapy can be effective for individuals who have problems verbally expressing themselves. Usually taking place in non-clinical settings, such as dance studios and workshops, the focus is on creative expression which can be useful when working with children and adolescents, as well as adults, couples, families, groups, and communities. Dance-movement therapy can also be useful for individuals who have experienced trauma or who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
