Stepping In: My Experience of Embodied Power Through the Relational-Cultural Framework

Abstract

This qualitative embodied artistic inquiry self-study explored how I used my embodied power in an ethical and intentional way as a dance/movement therapist and illustrated how I experienced my embodied power as informed by relational-cultural theory and racial identity development theory. This led to an exploration of my racial identity as a White, second-year dance/movement therapy and counseling graduate student, who also identifies with other dominate cultural groups. Data were collected through five authentic movement sessions with a trained authentic movement practitioner. Data analysis took the form of creative synthesis through embodied writing passages following each authentic movement session. Results included a journey of self-compassion through a growing movement repertoire, which developed into three themes: self-acceptance, ownership of the past, and choice. Implications demonstrated the importance of therapists exploring theoretical frameworks that align with or challenge one’s worldview, and continuously engaging in introspective exploration of one’s racial identity.