Dance Therapy

Dance Therapy

A dance therapy session in progress

Dance therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), is a type of therapy that uses movement to promote the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being.

History[edit | edit source]

Dance therapy began as a profession in the 1940s with the work of Marian Chace. Chace was a dancer and educator who noticed the significant emotional responses her students had to movement. This led her to develop the first dance therapy program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Theory and approach[edit | edit source]

Dance therapy is based on the premise that the body and mind are interconnected. The central idea is that changes in the body can lead to changes in the mind and vice versa. This is achieved through movement patterns, which are seen as a language of their own. The therapist and patient use this language to explore and address psychological issues.

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Dance therapists use a variety of techniques, including improvisation, mirroring, and use of props. These techniques are designed to encourage self-expression, improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and promote positive body image.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Dance therapy has been used to treat a wide range of psychological and physical conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. It is also used in rehabilitation and palliative care settings.

Research and effectiveness[edit | edit source]

Research on dance therapy has shown it to be effective in improving self-esteem, body image, and quality of life. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for specific conditions.