Movement Psychotherapy Research Articles

Dance movement psychotherapy for the deconstruction of power and identity in Mexican women in Spain: affective migration

A creative laboratory for Mexican women living in Seville was implemented from the psychodynamic perspective of dance movement therapy (DMT). The principal objective was to create a space for community meetings that would bring about dialogues on topics of interest for the participants. The thematic analysis method was used, observing that migration provides perspective when regarding problems pertaining to the country of origin, which are rooted in the body itself. Thanks to the distancing from cultural references and to the contact with new representations, certain questions and insights arise – regarding the way in which they relate to their body, to themselves, to other women, to the community and to the culture. The analyses show that the participants are in a process of deconstruction regarding power hierarchies, family loyalties, love, self-care, the position of women today; this allows them to make visible their internalised oppression.

Dance movement psychotherapy’s impact on emotional well-being in severe mental disorders: a quantitative study

Dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) is a technique rooted in the mind-body connection, utilising bodily movement to facilitate relational integration, personal and interpersonal functioning, and effective emotional regulation. A dance therapy program of six sessions was investigated to measure changes in the mood, health, and general well-being in 20 adults with Severe Mental Disorders (SMD), including mostly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Divided into a control group focusing on positive emotions, and an experimental group exploring negative emotions, a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental and correlational design with a test-retest procedure was employed. Findings revealed significant differences for both groups in all factors of the EVEA Scale and PERMA-Profiler Questionnaire, except for the ‘Meaning’ variable. Additionally, intra-group correlations indicated unfavourable concordance scores during the test-retest phase and an increase in health construct scores was evident.

Circles of support: dance movement psychotherapy in rehabilitation and social reintegration in psychiatry: a practice evaluation

The purpose of the Circle of Support, developed by the Romanian Association of Psychotherapy (ARPDM) was to promote the application of dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) in inpatient and outpatient settings. It brought a group of patients together so as to let them experience DMP sessions, designed to contribute to the enrichment of empathy, understanding and self-expression as well as to lessen the stigma surrounding mental illness. The project involved offering 8 DMP sessions in 3 partnering mental health hospitals and a series of 8 DMP sessions in each of our 3 partnering community centres, which offer assistance to their beneficiaries, using a day-care format. The main purpose of the project was intervention and the qualitative assessment was a secondary aim. Results confirm existing evidence, demonstrating the power of DMP to elicit joy, self-awareness and social connection, strengthening the patients’ circles of support both inside and outside the psychiatric hospital.

Treatment resistant depression: a critical reflection on missing oral narratives in dance therapy literature

South Asian narratives are underrepresented in dance movement psychotherapy academia. Systematically supporting more anecdotal literature on utilising the body’s innate wisdom in illness prevention and treatment is essential to support equitable accommodation of oral narratives. In this critical reflection, I have integrated my emerging perspectives as a member of the South Asian diaspora, a clinician who has trained and worked within the medical model and an early career researcher. I present two anecdotal themes and brief case examples relevant to contemplating the value of oral narratives within dance movement psychotherapy. They are: (1) embodied storytelling as a way of building emotional intelligence, and (2) intuition as a way of trusting one’s bodily cues in individuals.

Eco dance movement psychotherapy (EDMP) and queer embodied kinship with the more than human world

This article interweaves personal and professional experiences of embodied encounters with the more-than-human world. It presents ideas around the benefits of an eco-dance movement psychotherapy (EDMP) approach, particularly emphasising queer experiences and perspectives, interweaving perspectives which situate both embodiment and the climate crisis to be deeply entangled in social and political issues. I will consider how an EDMP approach can disrupt and support the unmaking of these embodied scripts and how situating the body as an embodied ecology can offer new ways of thinking, feeling, perceiving and imagining in kinship with the more human world. Dance movement psychotherapy (DMP), with its attention to the embodiment, felt sense, and relationship, can offer us a radical way to emotionally wake up to our interrelation to the more than human earth.

Dance movement psychotherapy intervention protocol for the caregivers of children on the autism spectrum: Development and fidelity evaluation

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant challenges as the demands of their role often surpass the resources available to them. Aiming to support the emotional and social wellbeing of caregivers, such as parents and teachers of children with ASD, a dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) intervention protocol was developed and implemented in a feasibility and process evaluation project. This article describes the development, and discusses the fidelity assessment, of the DMP intervention protocol. The fidelity assessment was conducted by calculating inter-rater reliability between three raters (therapist, researcher and external expert) on a 5-point Likert questionnaire through retrospective video analysis of the sessions. The results showed good agreement among the raters with a maximum mean difference of 0.57. High (75 % and above) adherence to the protocol was noted for 11 out of 12 criteria. The article critically evaluates the strengths and challenges of conducting a fidelity assessment of an intervention protocol. The overall structure and components of all the sessions of the protocol are illustrated in line with the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guidelines to offer growing opportunities for replicable DMP intervention-based studies.

A theoretical and clinical perspective of an embodied view in psychotherapy of somatic symptoms disorders.

In this paper, we offer some ideas for the treatment of somatoform patients and related pathologies based on the concept of embodiment. Embodiment refers to the interplay between body and mind in behavior. The word refers to giving a body to something, "incarnate". Spinoza wrote extensively about the topic in the 17th century. In the 20th century, picking up on Spinoza's work, Damasio presented extensive and important neuro-scientific evidence that feelings can be direct perceptions of internal body states, substantiating the growing understanding of emotions and feelings as a core component of the embodied experience. Here, we summarize the evidence for the intersection of emotion and cognition in the body, which impinges on the effectiveness of using the body and movement in psychotherapy and the management of somatic symptoms and related disorders. We present evidence indicating that movement would be a way to reach unconscious processes dealing with body-mind interaction and body awareness.

Eco-sound-movement practice: an embodied approach, (re)moving self and (re)membering responsibly

This research focuses on interconnections and intra-action of bodies, movement, dance movement psychotherapy, environment and landscape, through trauma, as experienced alongside the ‘non/more than human’. Pandemic years become germinal, life changing within my work as psychosomatic movement practitioner in the world. Steering me towards micro and macro environments. Moving Rhy-somatically involves, moving and developing more laterally, as a distributed process without a traditional hierarchy, and has shown ethical promise, as a personal and professional regenerative embodied approach; I wondered about our human responses to wasting of a planet in crisis. Using movement, improvisation, film/photography, sound, creative writing and critical reflection, as assemblage for practiced based research, I move more collaboratively, with diverse ecologies, that are distinct yet interconnected, through material discursive events during pandemic and lock down. It is a noticing that bodies, material and abstract encounter each other first, providing an epistemological source, and trusting that the ontological river still flows; integrating and healing.

Supporting the wellbeing of caregivers of children on the autism spectrum: A qualitative report on experiences of attending group dance movement psychotherapy.

Four clusters of caregivers of children on the autism spectrum (N = 20 Mean age = 39.25 years) took part in five group DMP sessions lasting 90 minutes delivered across two special educational needs settings. Twenty reflective focus groups took place in total, with each taking place at the end of each DMP session. Participants were invited to capture their experiences through arts-based drawings, while therapist and participating researcher/co-facilitator kept session-based notes and arts-based reflections. These arts-based and verbal data were grouped to generate themes. Six overarching themes emerged from the arts-based and verbal data with multiple subthemes that describe the contribution of DMP towards promoting caregivers' wellbeing and identified key challenges in implementing the intervention. These themes are: (1) Beholding within and around; (2) Reflecting and reinforcing strengths; (3) Exchanging views; (4) Looking back and carrying forward; (5) Core benefits; and (6) Challenges to engage in DMP. Caregivers talked about their experience of participating in the DMP groups as positive and acknowledged the helpful and challenging aspects of taking part in DMP intervention. They appreciated the creative and expressive nature of the intervention to promote their emotional and social wellbeing. The challenges identified in the study indicate that further awareness is needed within school environments about the contribution arts therapies can make towards establishing appropriate and sustainable interventions for caregivers.

An exploration of the relationship between the arts, awareness of nature and dance movement psychotherapy

The aim of this article is to underline the importance of metaphors, imagination, and symbolism, and our connection to the natural environment through dance movement psychotherapy. In today’s society, the humancentric attachment with others and with nature highlights the nature-body-mind split and how far apart we have grown from our surrounding environment. Through spontaneity, playfulness, desire and exploring the joy of existence, we can weave anew the web of life; a life directly connected with the earth, our bodies, our inner experience and spirituality. Rituals, symbolism, and a more sensory way of experiencing the world could become the anchor of our journey towards otherness and developing our ecological self.

Dancing the Blues: An interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and therapists

Creative practice differs widely across the contexts of artistic performance and therapy. In this article the authors describe a novel example of how the otherwise separate fields of choreographic practices and dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) have fed into each other. More specifically, the article outlines (1) how research into the effectiveness of DMP for depression has been used to create an interdisciplinary performance and (2) how the creative process has informed the development of therapeutic work. The performance was originally intended to disseminate quantitative findings from a study in DMP, but, as it developed, the resonances between artistic and therapeutic practice became the key focus and led to the artists contributing to the principles of a new creative therapy. The performance toured internationally and the new therapy model ‘Arts for the Blues’ has been piloted in the NHS, charities and schools in the north-west of England.

무용동작심리치료와 감각운동심리치료의 유사성에 대한 고찰

This study aims to present various approaches to Dance movement psychotherapy in a new psychotherapy paradigm by analyzing the similarities between Dance movement psychotherapy and Sensorimotor psychotherapy. In the past, psychology has developed based on experience-oriented clinical statistics, but with the development of advanced technologies to measure brain activity such as magnetic resonance imaging(FMRI) in the early 1990s, understanding of brain-neural-body interactions has increased. As advanced technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging(FMRI) can be used to measure physical responses in physical psychotherapy such as Dance movement psychotherapy, the perception of this is changing. One of the basic principles of Dance movement psychotherapy is that the body and mind constantly interact (Schoop, 1974).This reflects psychological development, psychopathology, subjective expression, personal pattern, and personality aspects. Sensorimotorpsychotherapy is a body work-oriented language-based psychotherapy developed by Pat Ogden, inspired by the structural integration work of Ron Kurtz and Rolf. Dance/movement psychotherapy is a treatment method applicable to lifelong development subjects, but it can be more effective if it is used in conjunction with other disciplines. As there are limitations and suggestions for every study. It is not easy to achieve effectiveness for all subjects with only a single specific psychotherapy technique. Therefore, this study aims to prove the effectiveness of Dance movement psychotherapy and explore the possibility of expanding Dance movement psychotherapy by comparing and analyzing Sensorimotor psychotherapy and Marian Chace, the founder of Dance movement psychotherapy. Marian Chace's Dance movement psychotherapy theory has early experience-oriented characteristics and is one of the representative techniques in the field of Dance/movement psychotherapy. Therefore, we would like to prove the effectiveness of Dance movement psychotherapy by comparing and analyzing with the current theory of Sensorimotor psychotherapy based on neurophysiology, and explore the possibility of expansion of Dance movement psychotherapy based on this.

Language in the making: A clinical example of autistic structuring

ObjectivesThis interview aims to identify the specific advances of Henri-Rousselle Hospital at the time of its direction by Doctor Georges Daumézon, during the 1970s. MethodThe testimony of Jean-Michel Gentizon, Assistant at Henri-Rousselle Hospital between 1972 and 1976, which situates the historical context through the influential works of this period, allows us to progressively identify the stakes and the consequences of Georges Daumézon's action on French psychiatry. ResultsThe policy of opening up to the different fields of psychiatry advocated by Georges Daumézon at Henri-Rousselle Hospital allows us to identify its essential function for French psychiatry in the 1970s. This institution proved to be a particularly innovative hub, soliciting the interventions of the great figures of psychiatry of this period. Its influence concerns the policy of the sector, the institutional psychotherapy movement, the field of clinical research, and the general political consequences of this action. DiscussionThe interview in its conclusion questions the current evolution of psychiatry, the less favorable opening modalities in the following decades, a lesser dialogue between the different currents, and the risks of a more recent narrowing of the current fields of research to the neurosciences alone. ConclusionThe experience of Henri-Rousselle Hospital, as developed by Dr. Georges Daumézon, proves to be a particularly favorable illustration of a policy of opening up psychiatry to the different currents of its time as well as to the different registers of the human sciences.

Self-witnessing as self-care: an artistic inquiry of a dance movement psychotherapy trainee preparing for clinical work

Written from the perspective of a student practitioner, this research explores dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) as a resource to unpack and offer restorative support regarding trainees’ lived experiences, to prepare for and process clinical work. Noting trainee DMPs’ responses to client work, and considering how their contextual relationships with their own bodies influenced these responses, this paper explores how witnessing and engaging with the physical lived experience of the practitioner may influence psychotherapeutic practice. This research explores DMP techniques as a resource for DMP practitioners to create embodied self-portraits, with a focus on the writer’s personal process during training. By allowing tentative access to self-support and containment during clinical work, embodied self-witnessing was found to be an effective method of self-acceptance. It further assisted in creating an understanding of the practitioner’s personal experience as a significant resource. When interacted with mindfully, these learnings could improve trainees’ burgeoning DMP practice.

Metaphoric synchrony in the development of an outdoor dance movement psychotherapy practice

This paper discusses the development, and frame of reference, for an intersubjective outdoor dance movement psychotherapy practice. Developing outdoor practice has raised my awareness, skills, understanding and application of nature-based interventions that support one-to-one DMP sessions with thriving human and more than-human ecological relationships. Key themes discussed as elements of practice are symbiotic relationships, cross-fertilisation of ideologies, sentient and animate reciprocity, earthly ethics, and metaphorical processes. The benefits of nature-based experiences for the embodied processes are exemplified in the therapeutic synchrony and outcomes of an allegorical client’s process. An additional positive outcome for clients is the significance of the outdoor safe space being a resource the client can return to without the therapist.

Crisis and Resistance: Institutional Psychotherapy and the Politics of Care

This article seeks to explore institutional psychotherapy’s politically informed practice by highlighting two key concepts: crisis and resistance. It first briefly sketches a conceptual overview of the two concepts, paying particular attention to the complicated interactions between their political and therapeutic meanings. Following each conceptual elaboration there is a discussion exploring the ways in which the concept has been used by two key members of the institutional psychotherapy movement, Frantz Fanon and Félix Guattari.

Une ouverture favorable : l’Hôpital Henri-Rousselle dans les années soixante-dix. Entretien avec Jean-Michel Gentizon

ObjectivesThis interview aims to identify the specific advances of Henri-Rousselle Hospital at the time of its direction by Doctor Georges Daumézon, during the 1970s. MethodThe testimony of Jean-Michel Gentizon, Assistant at Henri-Rousselle Hospital between 1972 and 1976, which situates the historical context through the influential works of this period, allows us to progressively identify the stakes and the consequences of Georges Daumézon's action on French psychiatry. ResultsThe policy of opening up to the different fields of psychiatry advocated by Georges Daumézon at Henri-Rousselle Hospital allows us to identify its essential function for French psychiatry in the 1970s. This institution proved to be a particularly innovative hub, soliciting the interventions of the great figures of psychiatry of this period. Its influence concerns the policy of the sector, the institutional psychotherapy movement, the field of clinical research, and the general political consequences of this action. DiscussionThe interview in its conclusion questions the current evolution of psychiatry, the less favorable opening modalities in the following decades, a lesser dialogue between the different currents, and the risks of a more recent narrowing of the current fields of research to the neurosciences alone. ConclusionsThe experience of Henri-Rousselle Hospital, as developed by Dr. Georges Daumézon, proves to be a particularly favorable illustration of a policy of opening up psychiatry to the different currents of its time as well as to the different registers of the human sciences.

Raving as healing: an autoethnographic study into how raving can inform the use of dance movement psychotherapy in clinical work with substance abusers in recovery

The topic of raving has not yet been addressed in dance/movement psychotherapy (DMP) literature, despite being a meaningful activity shown to facilitate personal transformation. Whilst studies on rave culture have highlighted its therapeutic benefits, none of them focus on recovering substance abusers. This research identifies links between raving and DMP, looking at what each practice can offer this client group. Three key commonalities were identified whilst reviewing the literature on raving, DMP and substance abuse: strengthening spirituality, enhancing one’s sense of self, and creating a sense of belonging. Through analysing data from participant interviews, my embodied responses and my own experiences, five more were revealed. Findings from this study were considered for their relevance in DMP clinical practice.

Elementy psychoterapii tańcem i ruchem oraz arteterapii jako działania polimodalne w pracy nad poprawą relacji ze swoim ciałem u kobiet w wieku wczesnej dorosłości

The paper addresses the impact of elements of Dance and Movement Psychotherapy and art therapy on improving the relationship with the body in women between 20 and 30 years of age. The participants in the workshops conducted by the author of the paper met for weekly classes during which they had the opportunity to take part in experiences that allowed them to explore these relationships through movement. The author characterises the problem of body relations in young women and the issues surrounding body work, explains what art therapy is in polymodal terms and Dance and Movement Psychotherapy. The text is complemented by a description of each of the six meetings carried out as part of the project. The author supplemented the description of each workshop with appropriate photographic documentation.

Benefits and challenges of tele-dance movement psychotherapy with children with autism and their parents.

Dance movement psychotherapy can be physically and psychologically beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic required therapy to take place online. However, tele-dance movement psychotherapy with children with autism spectrum disorder has yet to be studied. This mixed methods study involving qualitative research and movement analyses entailed providing tele-dance movement psychotherapy to children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and exploring its potential benefits and challenges. The parents who completed the programme reported positive outcomes including the child's social development, enjoyment, improved understanding of their child, insight and ideas, as well as relationship-building. Movement analyses using the Parent Child Movement Scale (PCMS) lent greater insight into these developments. All of the parents reported challenges in participating in tele-dance movement psychotherapy. These were related to screen-to-screen interactions, home, and physical distance. There was a relatively high attrition rate. These findings highlight the challenges of tele-dance movement psychotherapy with children with autism spectrum disorder and the unique benefits of meeting in person whilst the positive outcomes may indicate that tele-dance movement psychotherapy can be beneficial, perhaps particularly as an interim or adjunct form of therapy. Specific measures can be taken to enhance engagement.