Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT)
Defining DMT
DMT is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual” (ADTA, 2009, DMT section). DMT is often introduced to people as a supportive psychotherapeutic method for improving one's health and well-being. Movement, our first language, is “functional, communicative, developmental, and expressive” (ADTA, 2009). Chatterjee (2014) stated that “[d]ance, besides promoting health and fitness, also helps to handle different situations by motor planning, problem-solving or social interactions” (p.40). Dance/movement therapists strive to increase people's movement repertoire and nonverbal language skills to enhance connectivity between people and the connectivity of one's mind, body, and spirit.
My DMT Theoretical Approach:
Combines Marian Chace’s core concepts of body action, symbolism, and therapeutic movement relationship with Reichian’s therapeutic goals of helping people interact with others and fostering self-acceptance. My overarching goal of helping people regain sensations and feelings in both their emotional and physical being aligns with the Chacian and Reichian perspectives. Combining these perspectives helps me promote trust through bodywork and movement, guiding people out of self-isolation and into supportive relationships.
Caroline Woodward
