"Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances." - Maya Angelou
Introduction
Dance Movement Therapy or DMT is a psychotherapeutic way of using dance and movement to facilitate the emotional, physical and cognitive integration of an individual. DMT has been proven to be helpful physically by improving flexibility and coordination as well as decreasing muscle pain. In addition to this, this form of therapy has been linked to stress reduction and relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression and a myriad of mental illnesses.
Techniques involved in DMT
DMT uses movement as a tool to help an individual with their mental and physical illness, guiding them towards physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. A typical therapy session looks different for everyone depending on one’s sense of safety, and personal familiarity with their body. A therapist guides them to explore and make connections between their movement and emotions. The therapist might use techniques such as:
Mirroring
It is a technique to feel more connected and build feelings of empathy by copying another person’s movements. Matching and echoing movements enhance emotional understanding and validate feelings.
Authentic Movement
This is a technique that involves people acting out their subconscious emotions through spontaneous movement. The therapist observes the movement which provides insight into a person’s emotional state.
Benefits of DMT
DMT is considered beneficial for both physical and mental health as well as stress reduction, mood management and even prevention of diseases. Through movement, a person gets in touch with, explores and expresses suppressed emotions effectively.
Depression and Anxiety
Movement therapy helps with depression and anxiety by soothing the nervous system and calming the fear response of the body. It may conjure up repressed feelings which help in the understanding of emotions, environment and history. A study done in 2019 reported low levels of depression in people who took part in DMT and increased levels of physical skills like walking and balancing.
Body image and Eating disorders
People with eating disorders develop a negative relationship with their bodies and have a habit of suppressing their feelings. DMT takes place in a safe, non-judgmental and therapeutic setting. It has been proven to be emotionally corrective and helpful in setting healthy bodily boundaries. People start having positive reactions towards their bodies and learn to self soothe anxiety and other negative emotions outside of therapy.
Trauma
This form of therapy is helpful for situations that are too painful to put into words. People with trauma oftentimes feel that they have had their voices undermined or taken away. It helps people stay in the present rather than living in the past which may cause anxiety, fear and bring up uncomfortable emotions.
Dementia
DMT allows individuals with dementia to move freely and develop new ways to express themselves. It also eases the feelings of fear, anxiety and agitation as they are engaged without talking which takes off the pressure of speaking words that they cannot remember. It can help with bringing back a certain memory triggered by a particular song or dance.
Difference between regular dance and dance therapy
Dancing is a great way to incorporate cardiovascular exercise into everyday life. It increases endurance, improves coordination and balance. Dancing has been linked to an increase of endorphins and the reduction of cortisol levels which reduces stress and leads to happiness and relaxation. These elements, while beneficial, are not considered as a form of therapy. DMT is a form of psychotherapy that relies on the relationship between the therapist and client.
The nature of dance instruction is not necessarily confidential, while DMT follows a very strict code of ethics and is bound by confidentiality to protect the client’s information.
Conclusion
Therapy is essential for individuals to reduce anxiety and strengthen their coping mechanisms. Physical health is often dependent on mental stability and well being. Dance and movement therapy can free an individual from emotional turmoil to live a life filled with happiness and satisfaction. It has been proven to help relieve symptoms of many mental illnesses as well as physical ailments, making it a competent form of alternative therapy. Dance and movement therapy has been described as cathartic- letting go of negative, pent up emotions, making it a great tool for self-care and essential in maintaining mental health.
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