Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) encourages movement-based creative expression by a relational and therapeutic use of dance for the treatment of health-related psychological problems (DTAA, 2014-2019). Dance therapy offers benefits to people on medications and people affected by physical problems, depression, and physically or sexually abused (Art Therapy, 2019). Dance movement therapy is effective for enhanced quality of life and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Positive effects are found on the increase of subjective well-being, positive mood, and body image (Koch, Kunz, Lykou &, Cruz).

Stuckey and Nobel, (2010) offer dance and movement has accompanied recognition of the mind and body benefits of motor activities. Movement-based creative expression focuses on nonverbal, primarily physical, forms of expression as psychotherapeutic or healing tools. Through the movement of mind and body in a creative way, stress and anxiety can be relieved and other health benefits realized. Research highlights creative movement is a mode of expression from movement-based creative expression and dance therapy to encourage well-being (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

Picard extended Newman's theory of expanding consciousness to creative movement as a mode of expression. Midlife women’s patterns of meaning; identified relationships with others, the self, spirit, plus, challenges of loss, illness, and threats to relationships. The consciousness actions of choice, balance, acceptance, and letting go, and creative movement are all shown to support self-awareness. Furthermore, Sandel et al. research determined significant positive effects of a dance and movement program on quality of life, shoulder function, and body image among breast cancer survivors treated. Stuckey and Nobel, (2010) offer there are several types of movement expression, such as, tai chi, a semi meditative exercise derived from martial arts. As an intervention, it has gained popularity for reducing falls in older adults with improved health status. Tai chi exhibits significant improvements in physical functioning and ambulation (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

Dance movement therapy has elements of dance, movement systems, creative processes, and psychological and scientific theory, addressing specific needs of the group or individual. Dance movement include clinical, institutional, community and private settings, that use clear therapeutic contracts, agreements and goals, within a defined timeframe. Verbal and non-verbal, attuning to the persons needs and to provide a therapeutic relationship for growth and change (DTAA, 2019).

Good Therapy, (2019) proposes dance movement therapy is a type of treatment that helps people achieve emotive, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Research shows benefits for both physical and mental health, and a good medium used for stress reduction, disease prevention, and mood management. Accordingly, DMT's physical attributes increase muscular strength, coordination, mobility, and decreased muscular tension. Dance movement therapy is accepted in all populaces, that is, individuals, couples, families, or groups. Dance therapy enhances self-awareness, self-esteem, and a safe space to express feelings.

Dance movement therapists assesses body language, non-verbal behaviors, and emotional expression. Treatment interventions are personalized for specific needs of the group or individual, using tools of mirroring for empathy, jumping rhythms and vertical movements to help depressed people or making movement metaphor to physically demonstrate therapeutic challenge or achievement and emotional surrender in treatment (Good Therapy, 2019).

Convincingly, dancing has potential positive benefits on well-being in several aspects, particularly, emotional, physical, social and as well spiritual dimensions. Furthermore, these positive benefits can be linked to self-esteem and coping strategies (Murcia, Kreutz, Clift, & Bongard, 2010).

References

ADTA, (2016). Research on the Efficacy of Dance/Movement Therapy is Growing. Retrieved from https://adta.org/2016/03/19/research-dance-movement-therapy/

Art Therapy, (2019). Part 3: Types of Creative Therapy continues.

DTAA, (2019). WHAT is dance movement therapy? Retrieved from https://dtaa.org.au/therapy/

Good Therapy, (2019). Dance / Movement Therapy (DMT). Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/dance-movement-therapyStuckey, H. L, & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. Am J Public Health, 100(2): 254–263. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

Koch, S., Kunz, T, Lykou, S & Cruz, R. (2013). Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Dance on Health-Related Psychological Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(1), 46-64.

Murcia, C., Q, Kreutz, G, Clift, S & Bongard, S. (2010). Shall We Dance? An Exploration of the Perceived Benefits of Dancing on Well-Being. Arts & Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice.

Orfanos, A. (2018). Dance Therapist Career Profile. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/career-profile-dance-movement-therapist-3227111