Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining The Creative Therapies As A Strategy For Addressing The Trauma Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Gina Cestaro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Thirty percent of all women worldwide will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime (WHO, 2019). IPV is damaging to the body and mind, and impacts every area of a woman’s life, and frequently results in trauma (Murray, et al., 2017). The seriousness and prevalence of intimate partner violence clearly warrants research into effective treatments. Consequently, this literature review examines existing arts-based interventions that address the symptomology of trauma and how those interventions could specifically benefit victim-survivors of IPV. Research in neuroscience has shown that memories of a traumatic experience are often stored as disconnected fragments and overwhelming bodily …

Moving Through Depression: Development Of A Dance/Movement Therapy Method In Psychiatric Inpatient Care, Melissa Olmedo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Short-term psychiatric hospitalization is a challenging health care model due to its short duration of care, treating the highest risk psychiatric population. Priority care within a short-term psychiatric hospitalization involves monitoring a patient’s safety for stabilization by decreasing acute mental health symptoms. Holistic psychotherapy treatment options are needed to meet the severity of patients’ symptoms for effective stabilization within a short-term model of care. This paper investigates the first implementation of a dance/movement therapy (DMT) method within two short-term units in a notable Boston hospital. The DMT group called Mindful Movement was facilitated weekly as single sessions to adults ranging …

What Was Lost: How Dance/Movement Therapy Can Support The Retention And Repair Of Cognitive Abilities In Cancer Patients, A Literature Review, Sarah E. Menser

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines research surrounding the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive abilities alongside methods of increasing cognitive functioning throughout treatment. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is seen in many patients undergoing chemotherapy yet has had little attention in cancer research. However, research that has been performed shows that by increasing physical activity during chemotherapy often results in improved cognitive abilities as well as increasing individual’s memory, focus, and multi-tasking abilities. With this connection between physical exercise and cognitive functioning, this author is interested in investigating the idea that dance/movement therapy can assist in the recovery and repair of residual cognitive …

The Effectiveness Of Dance/Movement Therapy In Addressing Challenging Symptoms Of Transgenerational Trauma Found In Descendants Of Holocaust Survivors, Melissa Tibay

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Numerous studies have illustrated how psychological distress related to the Holocaust is present in children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. This transmission of trauma, referred to as transgenerational trauma, has subsequently resulted in the occurrence of challenging psychosocial symptoms within these descendants. While there is growing evidence of a biological transmission of trauma, there is a lack of treatment for this population on a body level. This paper examines how dance/movement therapy could be utilized in the process of healing from transgenerational trauma by addressing trauma held within the body, as well as the resulting problematic symptoms, including lacking a …

A Specialized Dance/Movement Therapy Assessment And Proposed Plan For Addressing The Physical And Emotional Well-Being Of Line Workers, Jordan Rodrigues

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis utilized qualitative methods to explore the experiences of National Grid linemen for the purposes of creating a dance/movement therapy warm-up. Information was gathered through individual meetings, where questions about participants’ physical, mental, and emotional health were discussed in relation to their specific occupation. From the information gathered, six themes were identified. To address the recognized issues, eight proposed warm-ups were created. The warm-ups, specifically crafted from participants’ firsthand accounts, are rooted in both Laban Movement Analysis principles and Bartineff Fundamentals. Sessions are intended to be run by a licensed dance/movement therapist at the beginning of each workday …

Return To An Integrated Self: Using Dance/Movement Therapy With Survivors Of Juvenile Human Sex Trafficking, A Literature Review, Lauren Zampieri

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As Juvenile Sex Trafficking (JST) has gained more attention over the past few decades, more attention has also been given to the treatment of the survivors. While there has been significant research regarding treatment of JST survivors and the subsequent symptoms that come with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to sexual trauma, little attention has been given to the re-integration process of survivors of JST. Reintegration will include an understanding of intrapersonal emotions, processing the dissociative subtype of PTSD, rebuilding trust of self and others, and re-forming interpersonal relationships post-trauma. Through practice, there have been promising results from the use …

Bridging The Gap: Exploring Indian Classical Dances As A Source Of Dance/Movement Therapy, A Literature Review., Ruta Pai

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Indian Classical Dances are a mirror of the traditional culture in India and therefore the people in India find it easy to connect with them. These dances involve a combination of body movements, gestures and facial expressions to portray certain emotions and feelings. There are seven major Indian Classical Dances- Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Mohiniattam. These dances possess three common aspects - Natya, Nritta and, Nritya. These aspects include several other elements which are at the core of these dances. This literature review focuses on three of those primary elements – Abhinaya, Gestures and Navarasas because they …

We Are Super - Building A Strengths-Based Superhero Suit: Development Of A Method, Gabrielle Kosta

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper presents an original method for young adults with autism spectrum disorders to discover and validate their own strengths. Using the monomyth, participants break down harmful personal mythologies and place themselves on a defined and empowering path towards their goals. Then, using a meditation and body-mapping, explore and express their strengths. The researcher wanted to explore more empowering ways of serving the population that was not focused on deficits. It was important to the researcher to bring things that the participants do well into the awareness of the participants so that they had a strong, positive base while moving …

What We Bring To The Space: 
Considerations For Emerging Therapists On Nonverbally Communicating Safety, Isabella Mazza

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis, in the form of a literature review, seeks to find how emerging therapists can nonverbally communicate safety within a group therapy session. In considering the target population, this thesis looks to focus specifically on children who have experienced trauma and may not have much experience recognizing the signals contextualizing safety. While therapists cannot guarantee ongoing safety, how are feelings of safety and trust in service of a therapeutic relationship developed? This research includes a review of literature in the areas of dance/movement therapy theories, trauma theories, polyvagal theories, and communication research. In this thesis, the term nonverbal communication …

Mapping The Dissociated Body, Elizabeth Hough

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explored the use of body mapping and body scans as a tool for assessing and tracking somatic dissociation and embodiment. The researcher utilized a clientcentered approach and mindfulness-based interventions and theory to ground the work with the clients. While there were a variety of questionnaire-based tools for assessing dissociation with clients, many of them were lacking in the somatic component of dissociation. The available assessments were also exclusively self-reported and written or verbal, which had the potential to result in biased reporting. Clients may have also struggled to identify their level of somatic dissociation due to an …

The Cycle Continues: The Effects Of Intergenerational Trauma On The Sense Of Self And The Healing Opportunities Of Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Nora Buonagurio

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis illuminates the far-reaching impact of intergenerational trauma on the sense of self, and the implications for dance/movement therapy in healing from intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma (otherwise known as transgenerational trauma, historical trauma, and cultural trauma) is trauma that is passed down from generation to generation. Future generations experience their ancestors’ traumatic experiences as if it were their own, hijacking their sense of self and identity. Sense of self will be defined as feeling secure in who you are—sense of identity, personality, family background, aspirations, and semblance of having control in your life. Intergenerational trauma presents unique challenges …

Dance/Movement Therapy And The Quality Of Life For Individuals With Late Stage Dementia: A Clinical Method, Brianna Berg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is a global healthcare concern, and while there is currently no cure for the disease, there are several major approaches used to slow its progression and improve the quality of life of people and families who live with dementia. Dementia impacts mostly older adults, and currently there is little evidence is known about how Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) may impact the pace or quality of life in such individuals. This study explored the impact of a DMT method developed for this study was based on principles established by one of the founders of DMT, Marian Chace and implemented in …

Becoming: How Expressive Arts Nurture Self-Esteem, Identity And Empowerment, Development Of A Method, Nikah Chevalier-Amy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

A vigorous art-centered curriculum was created and implemented amongst elementary students in a community-based program. The curriculum primarily involved step-dance incorporating movement and music therapy, while also including visual arts, music and aspects of drama therapy. These interventions were included to measure and test if the use of the arts within a community could help improve the participants self-esteem, confidence, sense of identity and empowerment as aspects of their becoming. The participants consisted of six elementary students (four girls and two boys), who were referred by their mentors to receive additional support surrounding their social-emotional development, self-advocacy, timidity, and …

Transitioning Into Assisted Living Facilities: A Community Engagement Project, Alisa Carstens

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Transition is a process and involves many physical, cognitive, and emotional changes for an older adult. In an assisted living facility (ALF), a new community was formed where established residents welcomed new residents into their new home. The residents came together in the morning dance/movement therapy (DMT) groups. DMT has many benefits to help older adults with the transition into the assisted living facility, such as providing the residents an opportunity to learn and rewire their brains through movement. In order to best support the residents and create a sense of community and accomplishment, this project involved a community engagement …

Development Of A Method For Utilizing Oriental Belly Dance Rhythms To Deepen A Client’S Understanding Of Their Emotions After Experiencing Trauma, And Move Towards Healing, Jenny Nehir Eish-Baltaoglu

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

A workshop was offered to local women in North Eastern Ohio who have experienced trauma and are facing uncomfortable emotions or unpleasant memories as a result. A guided body scan, Focusing Oriented Art directives, and improvisational movement explorations were employed to deepen awareness and understanding of the emotions and memories participants wished to have better control over. Three movement rhythms, which are central to the ancient feminine dance form popularly known as belly dance, were explored through improvisational movement both as a group and independently. These movement rhythms included staccato pops and locks, fluid figure eights, and vibratory shimmies. Participants …

Moving Towards Intimacy: A Literature Review On The Use Of Dance/Movement Therapy With Couples, Rachel Kuntz

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Since its development in the early 20th century, dance/movement therapy has sought to help individuals strengthen communication, deepen empathy, build trust, and experience physical closeness. Incidentally, couples counseling tends to address many of the same goals. This Capstone thesis investigated the overlaps between the fields of dance/movement therapy and couples counseling to the effect of understanding how those fields may work together. An initial review revealed that the current research only examined dance/movement therapy with couples who are privileged in the areas of race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Thus, the review broadened to explore how dance/movement therapists work with …

Developing A Method: How Dance/Movement Therapy Affects Pain, Anxiety And Quality Of Life In Pediatric Oncology, Kristin Ranke-Brown

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children diagnosed with cancer experience physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, general illness, and pain-related symptoms as well as psychosocial symptoms such as emotions of sadness, anger, fear, isolation from family members, and self-esteem changes. A comprehensive understanding of these concerns and symptoms can develop a better means for communication and support of children and their families. Inspired by the potential for dance/movement therapy to decrease pain and anxiety and increase overall quality of life with the pediatric oncology population, the researcher explored the impact of dance movement therapy groups on 4-year-old pediatric oncology patients with varying cancer diagnoses. Weekly …

Connecting To The Self: Increasing Self-Awareness In Children With Asd, Development Of A Method, Madison Janke

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement therapy is a popular method utilized with the autism spectrum population due to its focus on increasing social skills, developing relationships, improving function, increasing positive body image, and expanding movement repertoire. The literature indicated that mirroring is the most common and most utilized DMT intervention for this population, but it provided minimal alternative dance/movement therapy interventions. The dance/movement therapy method implemented through this research attempted to provide an alternative to mirroring through the creation of a body outline. This method was developed through the theoretical framework of relational-cultural theory, emphasizing the impact that relationships can have on the shaping …

The Freedom To Move: Dance/Movement Therapy And Survivors Of Trafficking - An Evolving Practice, Rebecca Richardson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Human/Sex trafficking is the use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploiting humans (mainly women) for sex or labor. Consequences of being trafficked include psychological and physical symptoms that may hinder the survivors for the rest of their life if not treated. Survivors of human trafficking are infrequently researched and have limited evidence-based methods of treatment. Even fewer studies have been conducted involving the use of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. dance/movement therapy is vital to treatment because of its focus on integrating the body with the mind. In this literature review I discuss the effects …

Creating Attunement In Utero: Dance/Movement Therapy For Women Who Are Incarcerated While Pregnant, Meaghan Wilson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis reviews the experience of pregnancy in prisons; pregnancy in bonding, attachment, and attunement; and pregnancy in dance movement therapy. Every woman deserves the help and guidance to connect with their baby as much as possible: during pregnancy and after. For women whom are incarcerated, the time to connect is shortened. For most women, they do not have access to their babies after delivery. I have researched the living conditions for women who are pregnant while incarcerated; this includes accommodations, possible health risks, and programs set up for pregnant women. Also researched is the importance to have connections made …

Dance/Movement-Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Combining Modalities In The Treatment Of Substance Use: A Literature Review, Elizabeth Shillington

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

With the number of drug overdoses ever increasing, it has become more apparent that other forms of therapy need to explored in the treatment of substance use. By taking the unique needs of substance use recovery into consideration, the country will be better able to help those seeking treatment. The combined use of dance/movement therapy and dialectical behavior therapy were considered in this literature review, as both have been effective in substance use recovery but have not been used together. Through a discussion of the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy and an analysis of dance/movement therapy literature, it has been …

The Integration Of A Dance/Movement Therapy Practice For Midwifery And Pregnant Women, Brianna Anderon-Frazier

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement Therapy (D/MT) is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the creativity in movement to express emotion, imagination, vulnerability, and identity. The non-verbal process that takes place within the context of D/MT appears within the activity of movement; a moment considered to be a rhythmic exploration and personal process with the body for mental and physical well-being. The integrative aspect of mind-body connectivity within D/MT has potential to be a supportive practice for pregnant women and their physiological changes of development. In recent years, researchers have turned to complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) such as dance/ movement therapy, whether it …

Mitigating Loss, Discrimination, And Acculturation: Supporting Long-Term Immigrants Through Dance/Movement Therapy, A Literature Review, Sabrina Mijares

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

With a growing population of immigrants and a rise in anti-immigration policies and sentiments that have longstanding mental health consequences, it is imperative that the field of dance/movement therapy meets the growing needs of long-term immigrants in the U.S. This literature review addressed the gap in dance/movement therapy research on the use of dance/movement therapy to support the post-migration, long-term mental health needs of immigrants residing in the U.S. Themes of loss, discrimination, and acculturation and identity as the prevailing long-term effects of the post-migration experience in the U.S. were explored. In addition, literature on multicultural and anti-oppressive uses of …

Mindfulness-Based Dance/Movement Therapy For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder And Health Anxiety: Development Of A Method, Katherine Stahl

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite the development of effective interventions such as Exposure and Response Prevention, the literature on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) demonstrates a large proportion of individuals whose symptoms do not improve with behavioral therapies alone. Supplemental therapies such as Mindfulness have been studied in order to address this issue, demonstrating partial success. The current thesis focuses on individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder who present with health anxiety symptomology. Dance/Movement Therapy is a modality which addresses the mind/body connection, especially important those who have body-based triggers. In order to address the need for supplemental treatment modalities for individuals suffering from OCD, a mindfulness-based …