Dance Movement Therapy

When you think of dance, you might not think that it can be used to treat mental health issues. However, dance movement therapy (DMT), also known as dance therapy, is a unique form of counseling that helps individuals, couples, and families address their symptoms with a compassionate and professional dance instructor. Learning more about this form of therapy can help you decide if it would suit you.

What is dance therapy?

Dance therapy, also known as dance and movement therapy (DMT), is a therapy that uses dance and physical activity to help clients improve their mental health.

What can dance therapy treat?

A single dance therapy intervention can offer many therapeutic benefits; you do not need a mental health diagnosis to attend sessions. Through body movement and the release of endorphins, dance therapy can help any individual improve mood and reduce stress. Dance therapy may facilitate lifespan development and treat any problems that impede healthy functioning. Additionally, dance may benefit social, physical, cognitive, and personal concerns. 

Dance therapy may treat the following physical symptoms: 

• Chronic pain 
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Cancer

Before attending any movement therapy, please consult your primary care physician to ensure it is safe with your physical health condition. You may also find benefits for the following mental health symptoms: 

• Anxiety and depression 
• Self-esteem issues
• A lack of hobbies 
• Memory loss or difficulty
• Communication problems
• Distressing symptoms related to neurodiversity like autism spectrum disorders or ADHD 
• Anger issues 
• Social concerns 
• Mental illness, like bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another condition 

American Dance Therapy Association

The first noted discussion of dance used in therapy was by Carl Jung in 1916, according to studies. However, the psychotherapeutic use of dance therapy was developed officially in the 1960s by Mary Whitehouse. In 1966, the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) was founded, and it has become a more widespread practice. Today, the association provides licensing in dance therapy to therapists and counselors all over the US. 

Is dance therapy effective?

A 2019 study found that dance therapy was highly effective in treating symptoms of depression by offering a form of physical integration. Dance therapy is believed to enhance lifespan development. Other studies have pointed to the benefits of the practice for treating symptoms of schizophrenia in psychiatric patients. For those living with a chronic illness or dementia, this therapy can improve their quality of life and help them cope with symptoms. An article in the American Journal of Dance Therapy demonstrated that dance therapy effectively improves executive functioning skills in children. Another study published in the American Journal of Dance Therapy suggested that dance therapy may be effective in improving self-esteem in clients with eating disorders. Although more research may be helpful on this form of treatment, dance therapy can benefit various conditions and symptoms. It may be beneficial for those who enjoy physical education, movement, exercise, and expression. It may also serve as a violence prevention program.

Dance therapy is a creative psychotherapeutic approach. There are various benefits of dancing in therapy, including the following: 

• Enhanced self-esteem
• Improved body image
• Personal expression
• Confident creativity
• Facilitate lifespan development
• Joy
• Poise and posture 
• Focus and discipline
• Long-term fitness 

Dance therapy is a healing art that can allow clients to experience a specialized movement program that creates an emotional connection to music and movement. Throughout the dancing period, nonverbal language such as smiling, reflection, and emotional expressions are promoted. As a result, a healthy environment is created that allows clients to feel whatever they need to. Individuals can practice creativity and improvisation without specific rules on how to dance. 

Through exploration and imagination, dancing allows clients to move and feel physically in touch with their bodies. Imagination in dance can help clients feel they can control their environments. 

As many clients experience fun, happiness, and joy, dance therapy can relieve feelings of worry or depression. 

Because dancing can often involve structure or stylized movement, you can learn to be disciplined and stay focused during a dance to achieve your dance goals. Through dance, you can aim to improve each session, set goals, and work hard to achieve results. 

Dance is often referred to as a stress-free exercise promoting fitness and physical health. Pennsylvania State University states that dancing can improve endurance and provide a cardiovascular health workout.

When you start dance therapy, you might feel awkward or unable to complete the steps. However, as you progress, you may notice a boosted morale and enhancement in your mental health. A person may physically demonstrate improvement over time. If you set achievable goals, you can feel confident once you achieve them. Your therapist may also offer compliments and encouragement to help you through the process. 

In traditional therapy, you may not make friends or interact with many others outside your therapist. Often, dance therapy is held in groups with multiple individuals experiencing a mental health or physical challenge. Through movement, you can make social connections and potentially meet new friends. This can help to inspire dynamic relationships and provide an outlet for creative expression. In addition, those who struggle with social anxiety may benefit from social activity in an environment where talking to others is not required. Dance therapy may also bolster communication skills.

Dance can be a form of meditation and mindfulness for some. During the therapy session, you may be asked to focus on the sound of the music, the feeling of movement, and the beat of the songs. It might be referred to as “entering the zone.” As you dance, you can feel connected to other dancers or yourself.  

If you go to a session, you may wonder what to expect. Therapy may begin with an observation and assessment by your group therapist or a certified dance movement therapist. Dance movement therapists work to ensure you are comfortable and ready to dance, so they ask about your motivation for attending the group session. You may develop goals for your time in therapy and learn about the various board-certified dance movements. 

The dance sessions may then begin with you and the other group mates. The sessions might involve a warmup, a cooldown, breaks, structured dance lessons, or improv dancing. In many sessions, the dancers may control their movements freely while the instructors watch or choose unique songs to dance to.

The dance therapy instructors aim to provide clients with the location, tools, and oversight to address mental or physical health challenges. They can help clients develop goals and feel confident in their ability to dance within the group. If the client struggles, the therapeutic challenge is to talk to them or guide them to help them get back on track. 

Principles of dance therapy

There are many principles of dance therapy. For example, dance therapists may believe that body language and movement can help a person physically demonstrate hidden feelings, traits, or thoughts. They also believe in the mind-body connection. For example, moving your body through dance can benefit your mind and express aspects of the individual that may have been suppressed. 

One of the core principles of dance therapy is that nonverbal communication is as important as verbal language. Dance therapists might interpret a client’s physical expression as communication. Movements might be made subconsciously to symbolize what a client feels at the time. Dance therapists may believe that how you move can help you discover new aspects about yourself that you didn’t previously consider. 

Dance therapy may involve incorporating jumping rhythms and movements. Studies have found that vertical up-and-down movements can reduce symptoms of depressive and eating disorders. 

Many individuals may believe they must be immensely talented to enjoy dance therapy. However, anyone may benefit, regardless of their skill. This therapy is not about judging your skill or teaching you to dance professionally. It is a safe place for you to express yourself. Talk to a qualified movement therapist before your first session if you have any doubts. In addition, try not to compare yourself to other dancers. Your processes may be different. 

There are many forms of therapy, and dance therapy is not the only option available. If you’d prefer to sit and talk to a therapist through traditional talk therapy, that can also be an option. As it can be expensive, other options like online counseling can be beneficial.