Laban: A guide figure between dance/movement therapy and drama therapy

Abstract

The field of Creative Arts Therapies stands to benefit from ongoing support and collaboration between practices that comprise the disciplines. Both dance/movement therapy (DMT) and drama therapy (DT) draw upon a creative, action-oriented, and embodied approach to psychotherapy; however, a review of the literature indicates minimal collaboration on theory and research between the two. Through an in-depth review of the literature and a supporting case study, a theoretical model is constructed proposing that Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and Role Theory and role method may be a natural point of intersection, enriching each discipline and presenting implications for creative arts therapies praxis.