Dance/movement therapy & warrior wellness: A pilot case study

Abstract

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual” (American Dance Therapy Association, 2016), has been researched as a therapeutic intervention for various diagnoses and disorders, and exists in many healthcare settings across the United States. Despite its presence, dance is still widely misunderstood and undervalued as a therapy. The need for integrative mental health services has given rise to an interest in non-pharmacological approaches for treating various conditions, specifically within the veteran and military population. Arts-based methods in particular are being explored on the levels of practice, policy, and research in response to this need. This pilot case study is an analysis of an existing dance/movement therapy-based mind-body wellness program that is part of a larger integrative program for military service members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health conditions. Data has been triangulated from patient surveys, clinical notes, the researcher-practitioner’s embodied observations, and historical programmatic data. The results of the analysis indicate potential increase in mind-body awareness for patients as well as a possible shift in movement flow. Inconsistencies in organization/internal messaging suggest further exploration of the critical tenets of integrative medicine.