Dance/Movement Therapy
Dance/Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to assist an individual’s growth physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. It combines movement and traditional counseling techniques to address a variety of psychological symptoms and issues.
Dance is the most fundamental of the arts, involving a direct expression of one’s self through one’s body. Since the beginning of time humans have used movement to help meet their needs. If aligned with the mind’s thoughts, the body’s expression flows effortlessly. Alternatively, if an incongruity between the body and mind goes un-addressed it will inevitably lead to various internal conflicts including emotional pain and malaise. In more extreme situations the intra-psychic struggle can cause interpersonal problems, depression, anxiety, stress, physical pain, feelings of emptiness, fear and even chronic disease.
What it looks like: The d/mt session includes both verbal and non-verbal expression and is based on the needs of the client from a developmental, relational and cognitive-behavioral treatment approach.
Who it works with: Both individuals and groups, with all age groups, in an environment that welcomes, encourages and supports the client’s creative movement expression. (www.adta.org)