Reflections on Dance/Movement Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology: The First 50 Years

Abstract

One of a collection of six scholarly essays solicited by this journal to celebrate the first half-century of the American Dance Therapy Association, this paper reflects on the author’s exposure to and analysis of interpersonal neurobiology in relation to the field of dance/movement therapy (DMT). The author cites a prior article of hers inspired by research conducted by Gallese and colleagues with macaque monkeys, which led to the identification of “mirror neurons.” Gallese showed that sets of subject macaques’ neurons in the brain were activated when simply witnessing others performing a movement, and activated in a fashion identical to that when they themselves performed the movement. In humans a parallel catalyst might be found in visual observation of motor actions, or facial expressions of emotions likewise motorically displayed—joy, disgust, fear, anger, and the like. The author reflects on how research regarding mirror neurons, neuroplasticity, empathy, and intersubjectivity has affected DMT theory, education, and practice. She examines attachment and attunement theories on infant and child development, which underscore profound interconnections with the mirror neurons in the brain. She argues that regardless of DMT’s evolution, the discipline has always been rooted in relationship, and is predicated on interpersonal, empathic interaction between analyst and analysand. What interpersonal neurobiology has accomplished is to reveal the neurological mechanisms within the brain that are activated during the interactive therapeutic process—the undergirding machinery driving how people operate. This knowledge equips dance/movement therapists to work with greater awareness and understanding of the entire process.