What is Dance/Movement Therapy?
Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses dance, movement, and the body to access, further integrate, increase or improve the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. DMT utilizes body-mind-movement interconnectedness to enable psychotherapeutic insights, shifts, healing etc. and relies on the relationship of the client and therapist.
As a dance/movement therapist I assist individuals in strengthening the connection with themselves through developing a relationship to movement and their body. I provide a safe space for individuals to reclaim their power by recognizing bodily cues, practicing self-compassion accessing their inner strengths and creativity.
Dance classes are a recreational activity, usually done for leisure or pleasure, which can also provide a mental health component or serve as therapeutic. With the focus being the teaching of movements or a particular dance style. While both dance classes and dance/movement therapy (DMT) may assist in the development of self esteem, confidence and awareness, the process by which these occur are different. Dance classes focus on movement goals, like getting the choreography or routine while DMT typically focuses on interventions that promote increased functioning.