MOD038 – Dance Therapy

Definition

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

Explanation

Dance therapists use body movement as the primary tool for assessment and intervention in their psychotherapeutic work. They observe and interpret both verbal and non-verbal cues, employing various techniques such as mirroring, movement improvisation, and creative expression through dance.

This approach is based on the interconnectedness of body and mind, recognizing that changes in movement patterns can lead to changes in the psyche and vice versa. Dance therapy can be applied in individual or group settings and is beneficial for a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain. It is particularly useful for individuals who may struggle with verbal expression, as it provides an alternative means of communication and self-exploration.

Evidence to Efficacy

Scientific research supports the effectiveness of dance therapy for improving psychological health and overall wellbeing. Studies have demonstrated positive outcomes for dance therapy interventions in various populations and conditions.

A systematic review published in The BMJ examined the effects of dance interventions on health-related psychological outcomes. The researchers found that dance therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to control conditions. Dance interventions also showed benefits for quality of life, interpersonal skills, and cognitive functioning.

Research from the UK has been particularly promising. A study conducted at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh found that dance movement psychotherapy significantly improved mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease. The participants reported feeling more energised, less tense, and more socially connected after engaging in dance therapy sessions.

Another UK-based study, published in the journal Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, examined the effects of dance movement therapy on adults with depression. The researchers reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in self-esteem among participants who engaged in a 10-week dance therapy programme.

Dance therapy has also shown benefits for older adults. A study from the University of Hertfordshire found that dance movement therapy improved cognitive function, balance, and mood in elderly participants. The researchers noted that the creative and expressive aspects of dance therapy seemed to be particularly beneficial for this population.

For individuals with chronic pain conditions, dance therapy has demonstrated positive effects. Research from the University of Derby showed that dance movement psychotherapy helped reduce pain intensity and improve overall quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.

These studies highlight the potential of dance therapy as a holistic approach to mental and physical wellbeing. By integrating movement, creativity, and emotional expression, dance therapy offers a unique and effective way to promote healing and personal growth.

Neuroscience & Physiology

Dance Therapy harnesses the brain’s remarkable ability to integrate movement, emotion, and cognition. Here’s how engaging in dance-based therapeutic activities benefits the brain:

Motor Cortex Activation: Dance engages multiple areas of the motor cortex, responsible for planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements. This activation strengthens neural pathways associated with coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.

Neuroplasticity Enhancement: The complex movements in dance promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This enhanced plasticity can aid in recovery from neurological conditions and support overall cognitive health.

Emotion Regulation: Dance stimulates the limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, which are crucial for emotional processing and memory. This activation can help in expressing and regulating emotions, potentially alleviating symptoms of mood disorders.

Neurotransmitter Release: Engaging in dance therapy triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These ‘feel-good’ chemicals contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and a sense of well-being.

Sensory Integration: Dance involves the integration of multiple sensory inputs – visual, auditory, proprioceptive, and vestibular. This multi-sensory engagement enhances overall sensory processing and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory integration difficulties.

Cognitive Function: Learning and remembering dance sequences engages the prefrontal cortex, enhancing executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and attention. This cognitive stimulation can support overall brain health and potentially delay cognitive decline.

Stress Response Modulation: Dance therapy influences the autonomic nervous system, helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce physiological markers of stress. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being.

Mirror Neuron System: Observing and imitating movements in dance therapy activates the mirror neuron system, which is crucial for empathy and social cognition. This can enhance emotional understanding and connection with others.

Rhythmic Entrainment: The rhythmic aspects of dance synchronise neural oscillations across different brain regions, potentially improving attention, motor control, and cognitive processing.

Body Awareness: Dance therapy enhances activation in the insula and somatosensory cortex, regions associated with interoception and body awareness. This can lead to improved self-awareness and body image.

By engaging in dance therapy, individuals can tap into these neurological processes, potentially leading to improvements in physical coordination, emotional regulation, cognitive function, social skills, and overall well-being. The unique combination of physical movement, emotional expression, and cognitive engagement in dance therapy provides a holistic approach to supporting brain health and psychological wellness.

Governing Body

The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK) is the main regulatory body for dance/movement therapists in the UK. It serves to uphold professional standards within the field, overseeing the professional codes of conduct for the profession. ADMP UK is also responsible for supporting the development of Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) in the UK and internationally.

Training Programmes: There are currently three post-graduate DMP training programmes in the UK recognised by ADMP UK:

• Goldsmiths University of London
• University of Roehampton in London
• University of Derby

Certification: To become a licensed dance/movement therapist in the UK, a Master’s Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is required. These MA courses typically last for 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time). Successful completion of a Dance Movement Psychotherapy Master’s degree qualifies graduates to hold professional membership with ADMP UK and practise as a DMP.

European Association Dance Movement Therapy (EADMT): ADMP UK is a member of this larger European body, which helps to maintain standards across Europe.

These structures ensure that Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the UK maintains high professional standards, ethical practices, and evidence-based approaches to therapy.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of Dance Therapy, a truly exceptional experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel a sense of safety and trust from the moment you enter the therapy space. The dance therapist ought to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you feel comfortable expressing yourself through movement.
• The session should be tailored to your unique needs and goals. Your dance therapist should work collaboratively with you to determine the most appropriate movement exercises and techniques for your specific situation.
• You should be encouraged to explore and experiment with different types of movement without pressure to perform or create ‘perfect’ dance steps. The focus should be on the process of moving and expressing, rather than achieving a particular aesthetic.
• Your dance therapist should guide you through reflective discussions about your movement experiences, helping you to uncover insights and meanings that may not be immediately apparent. They should ask open-ended questions that encourage self-reflection and deeper understanding of your emotions and experiences.
• You should experience a balance between structure and freedom in the session. While the therapist may provide some direction, you should also have the space to follow your own movement impulses and creative instincts.
• The movement process should feel engaging and absorbing, potentially allowing you to enter a state of ‘flow’ where you lose track of time and self-consciousness.
• You should feel emotionally supported throughout the session, particularly if difficult feelings arise during the movement or discussion process. The therapist should be attuned to your emotional state and respond appropriately.
• By the end of the session, you should feel that you’ve gained new insights, expressed emotions that were difficult to put into words, or made progress towards your therapeutic goals.
• The experience should leave you feeling more connected to your body, your emotions, and your inner creative resources, regardless of your dance skill level or previous movement experience.

Remember, a truly effective Dance Therapy session should be a transformative experience that goes beyond simply moving to music, helping you to explore, understand, and express your inner world in new and meaningful ways through the medium of dance and movement.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are key questions to help you choose an exceptional dance therapy practitioner, along with desired answers:

How do you tailor your dance therapy approach to individual clients’ needs?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who emphasises personalisation, mentioning how they assess each client’s unique movement patterns, emotional needs, and therapeutic goals. They should discuss adapting techniques based on what they observe during sessions.

Can you describe your process for using movement to access and process emotions?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner should explain their method for guiding clients to express and explore emotions through movement. They might mention techniques like improvisation, mirroring, or symbolic gestures.

How do you integrate verbal processing with movement work in your sessions?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who can articulate a balanced approach, explaining how they use discussion to complement and deepen the movement experience.

Can you explain your approach to creating a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression through movement?

Desired answer: The practitioner should describe specific strategies for fostering a non-judgmental, encouraging atmosphere that allows clients to feel comfortable expressing themselves through dance.

How do you address resistance or discomfort with movement in clients?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who can articulate strategies for gently encouraging movement exploration while respecting clients’ boundaries and comfort levels.

Remember, an exceptional dance therapist should make you feel heard, respected, and comfortable throughout the entire process, while demonstrating a deep understanding of both movement principles and therapeutic practices.

Self Study Resources

Here are some excellent resources for learning more about Dance Therapy:

Books:

Dance Movement Therapy: Theory and Practice by Helen Payne  – A foundational text that explores the principles, methods, and applications of dance therapy in therapeutic settings.

The Art and Science of Dance/Movement Therapy by Sharon Chaiklin and Hilda Wengrower  – A comprehensive guide to the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of dance therapy across diverse populations.

Online:

YouTube Channel: American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)  – Features educational videos, interviews, and insights into the practice of dance movement therapy from leading experts.

YouTube Video: What is Dance Movement Therapy? by ADTA  – Provides a clear and engaging introduction to dance movement therapy, its benefits, and how it works.

Podcast: Dance Therapy Podcast   – Explores the transformative power of dance therapy through interviews, case studies, and inspiring stories.

Website: Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK)  – Offers resources, practitioner directories, and information about training programmes for dance movement therapy in the UK.

These resources provide a rich introduction to the world of Dance Therapy, offering both theoretical insights and practical tools to explore its transformative potential.

Related Therapies

Art Therapy  (MOD016): Utilises creative techniques such as drawing, painting, or sculpting to help individuals explore and express emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness.

Somatic Experiencing (MOD152): Focuses on releasing physical tension and trauma-related symptoms by regulating the nervous system’s response to stress and trauma.

Yoga (MOD182): A physical and spiritual practice that combines postures, breath control, and meditation. Yoga can complement Reiki by promoting physical flexibility and mental clarity, enhancing overall well-being.

Feldenkrais Method (MOD056): A form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning.

Music Therapy  (MOD205): The use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Music therapy can include playing instruments, singing, and listening to music.

Play Therapy (MOD131): A form of therapy primarily used with children, using play to communicate and help them prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges.

Mindfulness  (MOD101): A practice focused on being present and aware, similar to the mindful walking aspect of labyrinths.

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