Theoretical basis for dance movement therapy with transgender and nonbinary people

Abstract

Transgender and nonbinary people, whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth, experience substantial mental health disparities. Guidelines for care of transgender and nonbinary people include psychotherapy to affirm one’s gender, to explore a new gender identity or expression, and to cope with the effects of stigma and resulting psychological distress. Drawing on theory to inform practice, this paper explores the basis for dance movement therapy with transgender and nonbinary people by considering minority stress (coping with stigma and enhancing resilience), gender affirmation (adapting to physical changes and improving body image), and identity development (exploring new movements and integrating sense of self). This paper discusses how dance movement therapy is applicable from each of these three theoretical perspectives and how it may be put into practice to support the mental health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary people. Dance movement therapy interventions for this population should be theory-informed and developed in collaboration with transgender and nonbinary clients as well as transgender and nonbinary dance movement therapists. Recommendations include additional training for dance movement therapists to increase cultural awareness of transgender and nonbinary populations, to explore their understanding of their own gender, and to identify biases and assumptions around gender identity and expression.