Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Preservation Of Ancient Wisdom In Dmt: A Literature Review, Miranda Cox

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Dance has a long and evocative history within humanity. This literature review explores the integration and impact dance has within religious and spiritual practices and how dance movement therapy can support these practices within a therapeutic model. Dance profoundly affects individuals during their healing journey and has impacted them through transcendental experiences. The review covers important topics regarding the therapeutic alliance and cultural humility, dance and the history of religion and spiritual practices, and the complications and benefits of religion and spirituality within a clinical therapeutic process. The intention is to explore how dance, religion, and spirituality can work …

Regulation Through Rhythm: A Literature Review On Dance/Movement Therapy Approaches To Facilitating Nervous System Regulation, Elizabeth Barbera

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

The mental health field has started to pay attention to how trauma plays into a person’s overall mental and physical well-being. Because of this more research has shown the connection between mind and body. Yet the clinical implications and literature on theories of how to treat trauma and trauma related disorders do not always connect. This review of literature seeks to analyze the literature on Porges’, Polyvagal Theory and Amighi’s, Kestenberg Movement Profiles. An investigation of the current literature makes a connection between the phylogenetic order of both the nervous system and developmental movement. Considerations of how trauma, in …

Embodied Co-Regulation: A Neuroregulatory-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Transition Intervention Method For Arousal Regulation For Adolescents In A Partial Hospitalization Program, Anamaria Guzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) approach, focusing on nervous system arousal regulation during transitions between therapy groups. The core of the method involves a brief 5-minute exercise designed to modulate arousal levels, encompassing alertness and energy, aiming to establish a baseline homeostasis. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Neurobiology, the approach assumes the co-regulation of nervous systems within a group therapeutic setting. Two primary outcomes are self-assessed: 1) somatic experiences documented through narratives and 2) nervous system biodata measured using the Flowtime headband monitoring of brainwaves, heart rate, and other biomarkers. Results indicated that all six sessions …

Exploring The Therapeutic Synergy: Dance/Movement Therapy And Electroconvulsive Therapy In Geriatric Patient Recovery, Alexandra Niezgoda

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone literature review synthesizes existing independent research on Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) to provide recommendations for professionals working with geriatric psychiatry patients who are undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy treatment. This research addresses a gap in alternative care approaches for geriatric patients who are experiencing the side effects of long-term medical procedures. The data collected from this literature review offers evidence to support the use of Bartenieff fundamentals as a recovery tool for Electroconvulsive Therapy patients. Based on pre-existing research there are recommendations provided in the discussion section of this thesis on how to implement a movement group …

Moving And Dancing Mindfully: A Community-Based Project For A Competitive Dance Team, Clare Terrio

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This graduate-level thesis explores the integration of mindfulness and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) principles applied to the competitive dance community. Drawing from the personal experience and studies of DMT of the author, there is an exploration of the importance of mindfulness when fostering dancers' connection to their bodies and promoting wellbeing through a community-based project. A one-hour workshop titled "Moving and Dancing Mindfully" was conducted to explore these concepts with a competitive dance team (N = 18), aged fourteen to eighteen. The workshop took place at a dance studio located in a suburban, lower to middle-class community in the East …

Power Of Circle: A Literature Review, Mindy Thacker

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review includes research on the history of and cultural roots of circles; role of belonging and our social engagement system in circle and group processes; and healing and witnessing in circle. This literature review highlights supportive research exploring reasons we are drawn to the circle formation, how circle spaces are powerful, and why this structure may help to bring ease and safety to our nervous systems. The research reviewed includes an exploration of the history of circles in dance/movement therapy (DMT); how circles facilitate healing of the social engagement system; and how circles can contribute to healing on …

Dance/Movement Therapy And The Beginnings Of Decolonizing The Post-Restraint Process: A Literature Review, Marissa Jax

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Restraints are used to ensure and provide safety across populations and in a multitude of settings. It is also acknowledged that restraints are at a high risk of causing trauma for all involved in the restraint process (Cui, et al., 2021; Dotson et al., 2022; Rose & Slack, 2016; Singal et al., 2023). There is an abundance of research on how the body is affected by trauma (Barnstaple & Dieterich-Hartwell, 2022; Levine, 2010; Maté, 2022; Menakem, 2017; Mullan, 2023; van der Kolk, 2014). Trauma from restraints can disproportionately affect people of color and indigenous peoples (Dotson et al., 2022; Linklater, …

Healing Trauma Through Dance/Movement Therapy: Literature Review, Shelby Turner

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Trauma comes in many ways, from car accidents, natural disasters, physical and emotional abuse, divorce, loss, and many more. Trauma and trauma responses have been studied for years, connecting how the human brain processes trauma events and how the body responds to the brain’s information. This literature review surveys the different trauma responses through the brain, nervous system, PTSD, and dissociative responses. It highlights trauma-informed care and clinical dance/movement therapy interventions. Those interventions include mirroring techniques, empowerment-focused dance, movement work, and Movement Assessment and Treatment Manual for Trauma (MAMT), a tool to use as a guideline in treatment, mindfulness, and …

The Battle For Control: Why Dance/Movement Therapy Should Be The Foremost Therapy For The Treatment Of Eating Disorders: A Literature Review, Melody Plastow

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review will provide an explanation of the complexities and symptoms surrounding eating disorders, including etiology, barriers and stigmatization, and current treatment provided. There is a focus on the three most common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Dance/movement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for this disorder, and this review demonstrates the main themes found in literature surrounding the psychological symptoms, including body image, control, and identity. This literature review outlines the need for DMT within this population, five DMT frameworks that are currently working with eating disorders, as well as why it …

The Benefits Of Dance/Movement Therapy For Adult Survivors Of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aubrey Workman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on how dance/movement therapy can be beneficial for adult survivors of adverse childhood experiences. The long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences have recently gained attention after a study in 1998 had profound results. Adverse childhood experiences have long-lasting results that continue into adulthood and the more adverse childhood experiences an individual has the more risk they are at for developing psychological and medical diagnoses later in life. Trauma impairs the brain’s functioning and structure, and it takes multiple positive experiences to rewire the brain. Unhealed adverse childhood experiences can lead to impaired relationships with offspring and …

Joining The Advocacy Conversation: How Dance/Movement Therapy Can Influence Shared Decision-Making Policy For Children Seeking Grief Support: A Literature Review, Taylor Storlie

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The intention if this capstone thesis is to bring awareness to the current state of children’s grief support services and how dance/movement therapy can be used to address the areas where growth is required. The capacity of dance/movement therapy to facilitate the cocreation of improved grief support services lies in its ability to be used as an advocacy tool for children to process and express their experiences with grief. In collaboration with the shared decision-making model, the information gained from dance/movement therapy exploration can help children communicate their experiences with grief to those who have the power to shift how …

Examining The Role And Benefits Of Dmt In Adults With Down Syndrome: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Melissa Briggs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This critical literature review investigates the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a form of treatment for adults diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS). It examines how DMT can help adults with DS achieve higher functioning, enhanced well-being, and realize a greater sense of self-identity. The existing literature includes research studies, peer-reviewed articles, juried journals, theses, and dissertations which address how DMT has been used alone or in conjunction with other expressive therapies, to improve the overall quality of life in adults with DS. The material reviewed is organized according to the outcomes and benefits conferred upon adults with DS who …

Pool-Based Dance/Movement Therapy With An Elder Population: A Literature Review, Jabyn Cleere

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is used widely with elders, yet little is known about the sub-field of pool-based therapy. Specific practices in DMT with elders appear in the literature with groups and individuals and uses of props that support issues of balance. While pool-based DMT literature is limited, there is a body of knowledge in related fields that tie closely to the idea of this approach. While implementing treatment in a pool setting may be limiting due to fears or ability, the literature review revealed that using pool DMT would benefit elderly health. Benefits to physical aspects such as balance, muscular …

Is It Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?, Ivette Berger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This is a review of the current literature between the comorbidities and physiological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically in adolescents. The method used by this writer was examining peer- reviewed articles and books focused on PTSD and ADHD. Quantitative and qualitative research was reviewed and used to provide support on the comorbidities between PTSD and ADHD. Lastly, this paper discusses and explores how dance/movement therapy (DMT) should be a treatment option when working with this population since dance/movement therapy uses body observations and assessment tools that aid in diagnosing and treating individuals diagnosed …

Exploring Post-Genocide Chinese-Indonesian Identity From The Perspective Of The Secondary Witness: Dance/Movement Therapy Approach, Iyit Benusia

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Chinese-Indonesian population is a bicultural and biethnic population with an extensive history of racism and discrimination in Indonesia since the colonial era. This situation has caused confusion on their ethnic-racial identity. Ethnic-racial identity is a social construct that defined one's sense of self within society. The lack of sense of self may negatively impact one's perception towards self and others. This project addresses this issue by identifying the current Chinese-Indonesian ethnic-racial identity from the perspective of the secondary witness to the genocide event happening in 1998. The paper will evaluate how the 1998 genocide event has impacted the Chinese-Indonesians' …

From Movement To Self: A Literature Review On The Potential Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Understanding Of Self-Identity For People With Borderline Personality Disorder, Natalia Santiago

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review looks at whether Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) might be useful when treating identity disturbances within Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It begins by analyzing the role of identity within one’s life. Identifying how self-concept strongly impacts how one perceives and behaves within their surroundings. Identity disturbance is a characteristic of BPD that has been found to be pervasive. The lack of self-concept is also tied to the other symptoms of BPD, such as impulsivity, dysregulation, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Genetics, brain function, and complex childhood trauma are thought to impact the development of BPD. Persistent adverse experiences can …

Understanding The Verbalization Of Child Trauma Through Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Nicole C. Camuso

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Born without verbal language, humans rely on movement to understand basic needs (Beltran, Brown-Elhillali, Held, Ryce, Ofonedu, Hoover, Ensor, & Belcher, 2016). In the 1950s, Dance/Movement Therapists started to connect the mind and body as one entity (Chaiklin & Wengrower, 2009). This integration supported the idea that by working together, the mind and body can help the individuals understand their sense of self as a whole, including the physiological, emotional, sociocultural, and cognitive parts (Chaiklin & Wengrower, 2009). This literature review explores literature about traumatized children and the use of Dance/Movement Therapy. By allowing access to DMT and combining both …

Warming Up To Dance/Movement Therapy Through Humor, Amanda E. Ouimette

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis examined the effects humor has on a Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) warm-up intervention in increasing engagement for individuals in a grief setting who are new to DMT practices. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects humor has on individuals’ sense of comfort and there were notable similarities with the benefits of DMT. The healing advantages of humor were thoroughly studied and the comedic principle of the “Rule of Threes” was chosen and translated into a movement warm-up intervention to create a space that allowed for humor and laughter. This humor strategy for the warm-up intervention was used in a group …

Creating Connection Through Dance/Movement Therapy Among Older Adults With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Anna J. Barnes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the use of Dance/movement therapy (D/MT) with a focus on sensory stimulation among individuals living with dementia to promote a higher level of engagement, connection, and reminiscence. This thesis will provide a literature review on the challenges that individuals living with dementia experience and the importance of a person-centered approach to care that is grounded in relationship (Newman-Bluestein & Chang, 2017). Additionally, the role that Dance/movement therapy plays among people with dementia and the benefits of sensory stimulation within this population are also included. Finally, a Dance/movement therapy intervention that was implemented …

Finding A Higher Power: Developing A Method To Weave Spirituality In Dance/Movement Therapy Interventions For Addiction Recovery, Tawna Halbert

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the foundation of research in the fields of spirituality, Dance/Movement Therapy, and addiction recovery, and paves the path for developing a method that integrates all three concepts together. The integration of spirituality in addiction recovery is widely accepted in the mental health field. Dance/Movement Therapy allows participants to connect to their internal experience, to each other, and to the shifting nature of the human experience: its application in addiction recovery is gaining momentum. In my method, connecting individuals in addiction recovery to their spirituality was the goal, and Dance/Movement Therapy was the means. Guided by the goals …

Rhythm And Safety Of Social Engagement: Polyvagal Theory Informed Dance/Movement Therapy, Suzanne Weare

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The polyvagal theory has exerted great influence on the field of clinical therapy since the 1990s by proposing an understanding of the psychological expression seen in clients as a reflection of their physiological state of safety or threat of danger. When affect and psychological states are viewed through the lens of the autonomic nervous system directed by neuroception through bidirectional vagal nerve information, therapeutic presence and somatic therapy practices, such as those utilized in the field of dance/movement therapy, become more conceivable as best practices to treat a variety of psychological conditions to include trauma recovery, autism spectrum disorders, and …

Utilizing Expressive Art And Dance/Movement Therapies As An Embodied Practice To Inform Childbirth, Kayla Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

An eight-week curriculum developed by this researcher was implemented with a group of women in the Spring of 2018. The goal was to provide evidence, create resources, and demonstrate the effectiveness of Expressive Art Therapy and Dance Movement Therapy as an embodied practice to create connection, promote self-expression, empathy, embodied awareness, and healthy coping skills so that embodied childbirth seems obtainable and do-able. The shift away from embodied wisdom has moved women away from embracing their bodies and created risk in childbirth. In the United States of America, the maternal mortality rate is on the rise, which is unusual for …

(Re)Humanizing: A Culturally Informed Approach To Coping With The Manifestation Of Super Woman Schema In Black Women With Trauma Exposure, Jasmine Dowery

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Using the Community Engagement option, this Capstone Thesis was used to create a method to explore a culturally informed approach to coping with the manifestation of Super Woman Schema in Black Women with trauma exposure. In this thesis the researcher discusses Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) in as it relates to the formation of maladaptive techniques such as Super Woman Schema. Additionally, this Capstone Thesis provides a historical context on the cultural significance of Rhythm and Blues music and Dance/Movement Therapy and ties it to the importance of healing for the community at-large. This researcher utilized self as instrument to explore …

Laban Movement Analysis As An Aid To Teach Bharatanatyam Dance Form: A Literature Review, Priyanka Jayaram

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This Capstone Thesis literature review investigates the Bhava (emotions) aspect of Bharatanatyam in relation to the effort qualities of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and the richest classical dance forms of India. Bharatanatyam can be broadly divided into Natya, Nritta, and Nritya, and all three formed the basis of the dance form. Dance/Movement Therapy is the therapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical growth and well-being. Laban Movement Analysis is a Dance/Movement system to analyze all movements and micro-movements of the body. Laban Movement Analysis also known as the Laban/Bartenieff …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Tool To Improve Social Skills In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Berlandy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed by the presence of social communication and interaction deficits present in their day to day. The deficits present in this disorder appear within the first three years of life and lead to problems with connecting and interacting with other individuals including their own family members. As a result, children and adolescents with Autism spectrum disorder often experience negative self-image and lack the proper skills to interact with others. Autism spectrum disorder is becoming more commonly diagnosed and yet there remains a gap in interventions and treatment due to the individualized appearance …

An Exploration Of Whiteness, Resilience, And Dance/Movement Therapy, Sharon Elizabeth Quimbay Nolasco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is a thorough investigation on Whiteness, specifically how it is defined within society, embodiment and how to utilize Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), resilience and how it affects people of color. It will address how Whiteness is a vast and highly researched topic, and this paper aims to build the ground for future work both within counseling professions and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT). The entirety of this paper discusses whiteness and how it affects various aspects of an individual’s life, as well as the resiliency demonstrated by those who rise up beyond their experienced oppression. When defining Whiteness, careful consideration …

Empowering The Plus Size Body Using Dance As Therapy, Ashley Sampson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In Western society, having the “ideal” body image and size is a societal issue. It is advertised throughout media outlets that the “ideal” body is what should be desired, and any other body type is “abnormal”. This capstone thesis focused on the effectiveness of dance as therapy and changing the perspectives of all body types, to support and empower all bodies including plus-sized bodies. The use of individual interviews, in an open dialogue model, with a select few members (3) of Soul thru Sole, including the CEO of the dance company; which focuses on empowering women no matter their age, …

Towards Healing Ambiguous Grief With Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Embodiment, And Mindfulness: A Literature Review, Emily Piper

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is an emerging trend of nature-based expressive arts therapy with a developing body of research. The current literature indicates that there are numerous nature-based approaches and that they can be effectively applied to many populations. Some of the benefits of nature-based therapy are shifts in physiology such as lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and decrease in stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. The approaches of nature-based therapeutic work include mindfulness and meditation, animal-assisted therapies, farm and work-based therapies, horticulture therapy, and nature-based expressive arts therapy. There are many effective applications of these frameworks that have been studied and some that …

Social Goals In Adults With Asd: The Case For Ballroom In Dance/Movement Therapy, Stacey Crimans

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The author explores the challenges experienced by adults with Autism (ASD) and their families, especially once they have left the public school system and are faced with entering college, a job, and any other goals they may desire. Adults with Autism generally are not researched nearly as much as children with Autism, but there is even less research using the modality of Dance/Movement Therapy as treatment for this population. The author explores how Dance/Movement Therapy might benefit from the incorporation of Polyvagal Theory with this population as well as elements of ballroom dancing. Specifics concerning why elements of social ballroom …

Enduring Resilience: An Exploration Of Puerto Rican Colonization, Hurricane Maria, And Ongoing Healing Through Cultural Rituals, Jasmin Isabel Torrejón

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis seeks to illuminate the economic, cultural and social subjugation of Puerto Rico, and its people, through the stripping of personal and political self-determination imposed by U.S. colonization. This research explores historic examples of Puerto Rican perseverance and analyzes psychologically protective factors supporting survivorship and resilience, such as familism and ontological security. The effects of Hurricane Maria on mental health are highlighted in the research, as is the correlation between a lack of electrical power and adverse health/wellness outcomes. Models for collective liberation and social justice are discussed and exemplified through the case study of a march that took …