Dance Movement Therapy

 Advertisement

Dance movement therapy is aimed at helping people to resolve deep-seated problems by communicating with, and relating to others through the medium of physical movements and dance. The ability to express deep inner feelings in 'body language' and physical movements is innate in human beings.

Young children express themselves freely in this way and without inhibition, and dancing would appear to be common to all past and present races and tribes. However, in modern industrial societies, many people find themselves unable to communicate their problems and fears either verbally or physically and may repress them to such an extent that they become ill.

Dance movement therapy aims to help people to explore, recognize and come to terms with feelings and problems that they usually repress, and to communicate them to others. This therapy can help emotional, psychological and stress-related disorders, anxiety and depression, addiction, problems related to physical or sexual abuse, and learning disabilities.

Children with behavioural or intellectual problems, autism or other mental and physical disabilities are often very responsive to this therapy.

People of any age can take part in dance movement therapy as the aim is to explore gently physical movements that are within each person's capabilities. The therapist may suggest movements, but hopes to encourage patients to learn to take the initiative. Eventually some groups learn to talk over feelings and problems that have emerged through taking part and are better able to resolve them. Dance therapy sessions are organized in some hospitals and 'drop-in' and day-care centres.