Dance Therapy
Dance therapy, also called dance/movement therapy, employs movement instead of spoken communication to treat the mentally ill. It is also used to enrich the lives of sightless and deaf individuals, especially children, and can be an important aspect of rehabilitation following a stroke or an injury that hinders motion and coordination.
WHEN IT IS USED
Dance/movement therapists work with individuals who have social, emotional, cognitive, and/or physical problems. They practice in psychiatric hospitals, community day care and mental health centers, correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, nursing homes, and geriatric centers. Their work in these last two places is especially important among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and others who may be incapable of ordinary social interaction. Some sports coaches also use dance therapy to improve their athletes’ agility.
HOW IT WORKS
Participants are encouraged to overcome muscular tensions and to become aware of the way in which their feelings can affect their muscles. With the development of this awareness, they become increasingly capable of the wordless expression of inner feelings in the form of movement, usually accompanied by music. As the therapy progresses, the movements can later be interpreted and discussed.
PRECAUTIONS
If you are seeking a dance/movement therapist for personal consultation, remember that only those who have met the requirements for an ADTR (Academy of Dance Therapists Registered) are qualified for private practice.
