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Connection, Collaboration, And Care: Using Creative Choreographic Approaches To Promote Adolescent Agency Within Therapeutic Structures, Iris Livia Ridley

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

Adolescence is a critical stage of development which is defined by significant psychological, physical, cognitive, and social changes. Considering the complexities of this life stage environmentally and physically, it is the case that many adolescents are vulnerable to experiencing mental health issues and can benefit from therapy, including acute care in an inpatient setting. The adolescent life stage is also characterized by a desire to be independent and take risks, and therefore presents a unique challenge to therapists for a variety of reasons, including mental health stigmas, feelings of mistrust, and the lack of agency associated with being a teenager. …