Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator CRR A64010)

The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) defines Dance / Movement Therapy (DMT) as the “psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being” (accessed from the website https://adta.memberclicks.net/what-is-dancemovement-therapy).

Some of the CORE PRINCIPLES of DMT are:
1) Interconnectedness between the Mind and Body:  It is believed that the mind and body are inter-connected, and hence, movement in the body can bring about changes in the psyche of the individual and any changes in how one feels, can affect, the movements in the body.
2) Movement is seen as a vessel and a language to express thoughts, feelings and emotions, especially for those who may struggle to articulate how they feel through words.
3) Creative Expression: DMT uses creative movement and music or props to help individuals explore their inner world.
4) Relationship between the therapist and the client is central to the process.

According to Sara Lindberg, “DMT can help people with physical health by increasing strength, improving flexibility, decreasing muscle tension, and boosting coordination. It can also offer important mental health benefits including stress reduction and even symptom relief from conditions such as anxiety and depression (accessed from the website https://www.verywellmind.com/dance-therapy-and-eating-disorder-treatment-5094952).”

One doesn’t need to be a dancer to engage in DMT—it includes a variation of bodily movements, to music or a rhythmic sound, with or without props, somatic awareness as well as breathwork.  It can be carried out with individuals or with groups.

This blog provided a brief overview of what DMT is. The next blog will explore how DMT is used with neurodiverse individuals.

REFERENCES:

https://adta.memberclicks.net/what-is-dancemovement-therapy
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/knowledge-center/treatment/dance-movement-therapy/
https://www.iadmt.org/
https://www.cmtai.org/
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Poppy
Acrylic Paints and Acrylic Marker pens on Watercolour Paper
8 x 11 inches