Dance Movement Therapy And Its Potential Benefits
Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a type of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to help you explore your feelings, improve your self-awareness, and develop your self-expression while promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This form of therapy is rooted in psychodynamic theory and the belief that movement reflects and influences your emotions, thoughts, and behavior [1]. It uses movement to explore how you think, feel, and interact with others, as well as your environment. DMT is a branch of creative therapy, which also includes art therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy [2].
Foundational Principles
As trained dance movement therapists, the foundation is in the arts with a preference for nonverbal communication and movement-based activities that can happen with or without music. The focus is on helping you facilitate the mind-body connection. Sessions may include drawing, writing, or the use of objects for patients to experience specific sensory qualities, or to elicit a specific movement quality related to Laban Movement Analysis or the Kestenberg Movement Profile, two models used in movement analysis [3][4]. These tools help guide us in knowing how to treat you based on your current movement profile and preferences.
Sessions may include drawing, writing, or the use of objects.
Who Can Benefit And How It Can Improve Your Quality Of Life
DMT is an effective way to address various psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and unprocessed trauma, while also providing you with a creative outlet for self-expression, and facilitating a way for you to process emotional and traumatic experiences [5]. The potential therapeutic benefits can include:
Improved self-esteem
Increased physical and emotional expression
Improved physical health
Heightened creativity
Improved communication
Improved problem-solving skills
Improved cognitive function
Improved mental health
Additionally, this form of therapy can be used for stress relief, increased self-awareness, improved physical coordination, and improved confidence when working with a trained professional. People of all ages can benefit from and participate in DMT sessions, including children, teens, and adults.
People of all ages can benefit from and participate in DMT sessions, including children, teens, and adults.
If you have a child who is struggling, DMT can be a great way to promote socialization, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and body awareness [6]. Through dance and movement, children can learn how to manage their emotions and express themselves in a healthy way. Studies have shown that DMT sessions can positively affect behavioral issues for children and adolescents [7].
DMT can provide a safe space for your teenager to explore and express their emotions using nonverbal communication [8]. This can be especially helpful for any teens who are struggling with articulating or understanding their feelings, suffering from developmental issues, or even simply experiencing the perils of puberty and sexual maturation. It can aid teens in developing greater self-awareness and self-esteem, which can lead to having a more positive self-image.
An effective way to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses or mood disorders, DMT as a therapeutic approach can help adults like you release pent-up emotions and gain a greater understanding of your thoughts and behaviors [9]. It can also encourage healthy psychosocial behavior, promote well-being, and stimulate a deeper sense of belonging within the group setting if that’s something you feel that you’re missing in your everyday social interactions.
Dance Movement Therapy Empowers You To Create The Mind-Body Connection
Overall, DMT is a powerful tool for promoting your physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Its benefits extend well beyond the physical realm, providing you with a creative outlet for self-expression, increased self-awareness, and improved mental health. It empowers you to listen to your body and start the conversation between your mind and body while learning to respond to your physical and emotional needs. Healthy self-regulation, body awareness, and artistic expression of the soul are only a few of the many benefits DMT has to offer you.
If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to schedule a session, please feel free to get in touch! And as always, keep dancing.
References
How Dance Therapy Can Help Kids Learn To Regulate Their Emotions
Dance And Movement Therapy: Benefits, How It Works, And More
