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Discovering Dance Therapy And Movement Based Treatment

By Joshua Reed


When an individual thinks of therapy, or a therapist, one generally pictures a psychiatrist or psychologist and a couch. Movement based treatment or dance therapy is a different and unique form. It is a form in which different styles of dance are used to enhance bodily emotional, intellectual and motor skills. Whether dancing at a free form community dance, or acquiring therapy, doing so often has the ability to heal body, mind and soul.

Therapists working in dance therapy often use a four stage approach when providing treatment. These stages include, preparation, illumination, evaluation and incubation. First the therapist evaluates the mover, creates a treatment plan, illuminates the issues then institutes the plan for a specific incubation period.

Unlike free-form, non-alcohol, barefoot dance works to awake body, mind and soul in a community setting. Whereas, dance oriented therapies are provided in a clinical setting. Still, free-form dance is great exercise which can also help to alleviate stress among those in attendance. Depending on the spiritual beliefs of each mover, some may find a closer connection to self, others, spirit.

Originally developed thousands of years ago, dance and movement therapies have had a major impact on issues related to birth, death, happiness, sickness and health. In 1930, a new philosophy was born which helped establish these therapies in the United States, Europe and around the world. Then, once it became clear the effects had been proven, several colleges and universities began offering a focus on this area of psychotherapy.

Before that time, dance had only been viewed as an expressive art form in the United States and Europe. Once movement became an accepted form of healing, several therapists became interested in working in the area. After which, a focus of dance and movement were added to a number of degree programs in the area of psychology.

These dance oriented therapies can be divided into two distinct waves. The first involves the use of dance as related to the medical community. Once a well known therapist noticed the effects movement had on clients, a larger field of movement therapy was formed. Once several clients had reported success in overcoming emotional and physical issues, more therapists started providing these type services.

Once students began reporting that movement aided in overall happiness, health and well being, several doctors began sending clients to these new therapists. A local therapist then began offering a program at a hospital in Washington, D. C. It was at this location that several trials related to this therapeutic form took place. During these trials, it became clear that healing could take place as a result of these type therapies.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the second wave of dance appeared on the scene with a new and different ideology. It was at this time that therapists began to experiment and explore new and exciting applications. After which, therapists around the world began to create and apply different modalities and techniques of dance therapy based solely on the need of clients.




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