What is the treatment?
Dance therapy is a type of therapeutic practice in which individuals use different types of movement and dance to provide emotional, physical, psychological, and social health. Dance therapy is also known as dance movement therapy (DMT). This practice usually focuses on the connection between the mind and body, which allows individuals to express emotions. Dance therapy is a part of the practice of psychotherapy, but it is now also used in physical therapy to deal with disorders of movement therapy. It helps to release tension and promote self-awareness through productive movements.
Philosophy/Origin
Dance therapy originated in the mid-20th century. It is developed by Marian Chace and other inventors of the field. The philosophy behind dance therapy is that movements reflect the inner emotional states. When the movements are performed in a specific manner of physical expression, then it can promote psychological healing. Dance movement therapy combines the principles of human development, psychology, and artistic movements to create a holistic approach to health.
Mental/Emotional Benefits
Long-Term Wellness
Dance therapy helps to develop stamina for facing stress and emotional challenges. It also improves social interaction of the individual as it involves group sessions, which promotes the opportunities for bonding. It promotes long-term health by working through holistic approach rather than conventional healing.
Ideal Audience
Dance therapy is suitable for individuals of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Children can enjoy this therapy, which helps them to make new friends through social interaction. It is particularly helpful for those who enjoy creative and non-verbal forms of expression.
Specific Conditions
The treatment of dance therapy is mentioned below
Initial Assessment
The therapist evaluates the needs, goals, and preferences of each individual through taking proper history and physical symptoms. The dance therapy can also be performed according to the natural movements of each individual.
Warm-Up
It is best to start the session with warm-up movements and stretching exercises to prepare the mind and body and prevent muscle cramps.
Guided Movement
The therapist guides the structured exercises and encourages each individual in a group to explore and understand his emotions through specific movements or dance styles.
Expressions with movements
Individuals are asked to move freely, which helps their bodies to express emotions, thoughts, or memories in a specific way. This step of dance therapy is often nonverbal to put more focus on genuine inner-self and emotions.
Group Interaction
In group sessions, individuals may engage in synchronized or collaborative movement to promote trust and connection.
Cool down
The session ends with a cool-down and a discussion to process emotions or feelings that emerged during the movement or dance therapy.
What to Expect
During dance therapy, individuals often feel a sense of freedom and emotional release. In dance therapy, every individual is allowed to perform movements according to their comfort level, and it may range from simple gestures to more complicated and full-body expressions. Emotions such as joy, sadness, or catharsis may arise, but they are often linked with a sense of connection to the inner self and surroundings.
Immediate Effects
Long-Term Effects
Before the Treatment
It is essential to wear loose clothing to allow free movement without any irritation and hindrance. It is best to stay hydrated to avoid fatigue during and after the session. The individual should participate with a mindset to open up and explore emotions.
Aftercare
The therapist may suggest spending some time with the exposed emotions and feelings after the session. it allows us to understand emotions more efficiently. Rest after each session is also recommended if full body movements were involved during the session. Mindfulness practice and activities can be performed to increase the benefits of the session.
Dance therapy is widely performed by certified dance movement therapists who are available on different platforms like Wellencia. Both individual and group sessions can be performed according to the suitability of each individual. Dance therapy or dance movement therapy should be performed under the supervision of expert practitioners for a safe and effective therapeutic experience.
