American Dance Therapy Association 44th Annual Conference 2009 Research Poster Session

Abstract

This theoretical paper, the author’s master’s thesis, identified the paradox at the foundation of female sexuality as operationally defined by the field of sex therapy and Western culture. In response, this thesis weaved together the fields of dance/movement therapy and sacred sexuality to create a new perspective on female sexuality and female sexual dysfunction. The result was the establishment of a more inclusive definition of sexuality and the redefinition of sexual dysfunction. The author reframed sexuality as a creative, life-promoting source of vitality located within one’s body. It serves as an interface between one’s inner and outer environment, enabling the experience of pleasure and acting as a catalyst for biological, physiological, emotional, and/or spiritual growth or change. The author renamed sexual dysfunction, sexuality incognizance, which she argues is a lack of perceptual awareness towards recognizing, attuning to, and appreciating the full range of sexual expressions and pleasurable experiences of the body. This thesis proposed a new model for working with sexuality, which the researcher named Kinetic-Embodied Sexuality Therapy (K-EST). The model empowers women, supports them in the cultivation of an intimate relationship with and acceptance of their bodies, and supports them in the expansion of their sexuality expression through the development of sexuality cognizance by way of movement exploration, creative dance, creative projects, and integrative discussion. This thesis proposed a 6-week outcome research study measuring the efficacy of the K-EST model in working with women diagnosed with female sexual dysfunction. In the proposed outcome study pretest and posttest measures of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) would be taken by the 6 participants in the treatment group and the 6 participants in the wait-listed control group, and then compared. The author hypothesizes that the K-EST model will alleviate symptoms of female sexual dysfunction and will improve participants’ overall life satisfaction. Author: Melissa Walker graduated from Naropa University in May 2009, with a Master’s degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology, emphasis on Dance/Movement Therapy. She completed a 12-month counseling internship at the Colorado AIDS Project in July 2009. She plans to establish groups based on her Kinetic-Embodied Sexuality Therapy model, measuring its benefit for women. She can be reached at nadirahsdance@yahoo.com