What is Dance/Movement Therapy?

According to the American Dance Therapy Association, dance/movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of individuals.

In dance/movement therapy, movement is the therapeutic tool used to process feelings and emotions.  The dance/movement therapist uses cues from her own body as well as from the client's to create interventions in the therapeutic relationship. 

This holistic alternative to talk therapy is a wonderful way to express oneself especially when cognition is compromised.  Dance/movement therapy transcends verbal communication and connects the persons mind, body, and soul. 

Benefits of dance/movement therapy include:

Facilitate self-awareness

Enhance self-esteem

Reduce anxiety

Encourage reminiscing 

Maintain and/or increases mobility

Enhance body-mind connectivity

Focus on non-verbal communication to enhance emotional and physical wellbeing