Dance Movement Therapy Commons^™

Building Attachment Between Infant And Caregiver With Postpartum Depression Through Dance Movement/Therapy, Teri Steinberg

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

This thesis discusses the process of fostering secure attachment with infants and mothers

suffering from postpartum depression, through dance/movement therapy. The mother-infant attachment and how it affects the overall lifespan of an individual. The impact of postpartum depression on attachment, and its effect throughout the lifespan is discussed, as well as different treatment intervention for insecure attachment and postpartum depression. Since insecure attachment is a common result of postpartum depression, a dual intervention process is recommended. Dance/movement therapy, with its emphasis on the body and non-verbal relationship building, provides a space to address both of these challenges.

Tango And Dance/Movement Therapy: A Partner Dance, Natalia E. Rosado Cofresí

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

This thesis aims to explore the parallels that are present between Argentine social tango and dance/movement therapy. Through a personal embodied inquiry of both the dance form and the therapeutic modality, the author draws a comparison of therapeutic elements such as collective and shared experience, attunement and the therapeutic relationship, expansion of movement repertoire, presence in the here-and-now, and integration of the whole self. The analysis demonstrates that while each form is distinct, there is also commonality and a shared language that grounds them both at the center of movement as a form of therapy. Tango is a social dance …

The Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Mood Of Hospitalized Psychiatric Adolescents, Amy Chiu

Nursing | Senior Theses

Mental illness in children has increased over all aspects throughout the years to right now (CDC, 2019). Many of these children do get treatment for these disorders but there are still a percent that do not receive any treatment or find effective ways to maintain non-pharmaceutical alternatives for mood stabilization. The alternative therapies that are introduced in hospital settings plays a role in allowing for alternative therapies to be apart of the treatment plan for patients. Dance Movement therapy (DMT) is an alternative therapy that uses movement to conduct change in patient’s emotions based on their own choices of movement …

A Baltimore Love Thing: A Look At Social Dances And Their Connection To Communal Healing Amongst Black People In Baltimore, Naja Cooper

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

This thesis provides insight on the vast effects of systematic racial injustice towards Black people living in Baltimore, Maryland. It highlights the negative effects of racism and the impact of collective shared trauma, while also bringing attention to the resilience long-time and current residents have shown through the action of movement, dance, and simply being. The essence of the Baltimore originated social dance called Rockin’ Off/Shakin’ Off, developed in 2005, provides the chance to dance out lived individual and shared experiences. The discussion sheds light on similarities between key principles of dance/movement therapy and Rockin’ Off/Shakin’ Off, and how this …

Towards Wide Implementation Of Dance Therapy In Mental Health, Pin-Wen Chou

Dissertations and Theses

In recent years, Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has been increasingly mentioned in the field of mental health counseling. Despite the progress of DMT in terms of studies showing its efficiency for various forms of mental health conditions such as depression and trauma, the implementation of DMT amongst mental health therapists is still not as widespread as other forms of therapies such as verbal and art therapies. In this project, we aim to determine the underlying causes of its low implementation by surveying a set of populations, specifically mental health patients, mental health therapists that do not specialize in dance/movement therapy, …

Loss Of Self In Dissociation In Prostitution; Recovery Of Self In Connection To Horses: A Survivor's Journey, Sandra Norak

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

This narrative is about dissociation in the lives of women who have been exploited through prostitution. When we speak about prostitution, we do not speak often enough about the dissociation needed for women and girls to survive sexual exploitation. The author challenges the wisdom of governments such as Germany that legalize prostitution, treating it as a “job” and ignoring the violence and subsequent dissociation in women. The author describes her personal journey, explaining how women are traumatized even after the first commercial sex act, which is a sexual assault. They dissociate which makes their lives bearable, but they fail to …

An Intervention With Dance And Yoga For Girls With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (Just In Time): Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Anna Philipson, Stefan Särnblad, Lars Ekstav, Mats Eriksson, Ulrika L. Fagerberg, Margareta Möller, Evalotte Mörelius, Anna Duberg

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

©Anna Philipson, Stefan Särnblad, Lars Ekstav, Mats Eriksson, Ulrika L Fagerberg, Margareta Möller, Evalotte Mörelius, Anna Duberg. Background: Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) affect many children worldwide, predominantly girls, and cause considerable long-term negative consequences for individuals and society. Evidence-based and cost-effective treatments are therefore strongly needed. Physical activity has shown promising effects in the practical management of FAPDs. Dance and yoga are both popular activities that have been shown to provide significant psychological and pain-related benefits with minimal risk. The activities complement each other, in that dance involves dynamic, rhythmic physical activity, while yoga enhances relaxation and focus. Objective: …

The Healing Power Of The Arts - Drama Therapy And The Use Of Theatre In The Treatment Of Trauma, Brooklyn Snyder

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Theatre is an incredibly valuable therapeutic tool. In this thesis, I explore the ways in which trauma can reshape individuals lives, both cognitively and physically, impeding their sense of self, ability to trust, engagement, and many other seemingly ordinary aspects of day to day life that those of us unaffected by trauma take for granted. Additionally, I cover how employing theatrical tools, like improvisation and role play, can act as a beneficial treatment option for those who have suffered a traumatic past. Drama therapy allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies and their minds, gain new perspectives on their experiences, …

Dance As A Protective Measure Against The Cognitive And Physical Declines Associated With Aging: A Proposed Study, Sarah M. Schwanz, Jeffrey Holmes, Jessica Grahn

Western Research Forum

Background:

Dance is considered a multimodal activity in that it requires both physical and cognitive engagement. Combining physical activity with music may have a synergistic effect, enabling dance to enhance physical and cognitive functions more than music and physical activity alone. The positive changes attributed to dance training such as improved visuospatial and motor ability, high coordination, greater balance, and increased cognitive ability may also benefit individuals as they age.

Methods:

This proposed study will examine whether dance training has the potential to protect against age-related cognitive and physical decline by assessing the cognitive and physical domains that show decline …

Moving Blind Spots: Cultural Bias In The Movement Repertoire Of Dance/Movement Therapists, Ebony Nichols

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the need for cultural diversity in the field of dance/movement therapy and the impact of unconscious bias as it relates to cultural rhythmic patterns, movement styles, and music choices in therapeutic practice. This literature review examines the historical context that has contributed to the field of dance/movement therapy while outlining cultural competency and ethical considerations in practice as it relates to cultural and/or race identity. Common themes are summarized notating the effects of oppression, bias, and trauma on populations of statistically marginalized communities with specific emphases on African American cultural identity. With consideration toward action steps, culturally …

Promoting Resilience In Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents Through School-Based Expressive Arts Groups, Bailey Knox

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Since 2013, the majority of students served by the public school system in the United States have been considered “low-income” by the federal government. The stressors associated with low socioeconomic status significantly increase risk for social, emotional and behavioral challenges at all age levels, but can be particularly damaging to adolescents coping with heightened stress levels related to the intense multi-dimensional changes that define this developmental period. As the correlation between economic disadvantage and negative socio-emotional and academic outcomes is increasingly evidenced, schools have begun to recognize their responsibility for providing preventative mental health care to high-risk students. Over the …

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 …

Breathing Life Into Life: A Literature Review Supporting Body-Based Interventions In The Treatment Of Trauma, Andrea Werbalowksy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the recent turn toward a more trauma-informed practice of mental health counseling, a glaring gap remains between the research validating that trauma is a somatic experience and the continued privileging of cognitive and behaviorist interventions commonly used to treat trauma. In an effort to explore this gap, this paper presents a literature review inquiry into the neurophysiological and overall life effects trauma can have on the people who experience it. The review further explores how Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory elucidates the benefits of using body-based therapeutic interventions in the treatment of trauma. The inquiry investigates the wide gap between …

Expressive Mindfulness: A Trauma-Sensitive Expressive Arts Therapy Group Method, Meghan Daly

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mindfulness and expressive arts therapy are both supportive of directing attention in a manner that promotes integration and function of a person. In this paper, a trauma-sensitive method was created for use in a day treatment setting for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This method utilized expressive movement, visual art making with three different materials, and creative writing to encourage mindful, non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment; a sense of relaxation; and an overall increase in quality of life. During development of the method arts-based research informed the choice of materials, music, and structure of the group. …

Watering Black Roots: Exploring Black Ecological Identity Development Within Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Stormy Saint-Val

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Nature-based expressive arts therapy promotes the holistic healing and recovery of individuals by interweaving the practices of ecopsychology, ecotherapy, and expressive arts therapy. These interventions have been proven to mediate ranges of symptomologies, such as anxiety disorders and PTSD. Research conducted by the U.S. National Park Services indicates that African- Americans are less likely to have a positive relationship to nature than all other racial groups. The amplification of this report without introspection of its context perpetuates racialized generalizations. This can limit a black individual’s ability to embrace their ecological identity and be receptive of nature-based expressive arts therapy interventions. …

Taking A Breath: Understanding The Interrelationship Of Breath In Dance/Movement Therapy And Everyday Life, Nicole Grigonis

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

The integration of breath throughout contexts within dance/movement therapy and daily life can empower an able body-minded individual to explore awareness, which can ultimately achieve a greater sense of overall well-being. This thesis attempts to consider ways in which the breath can be used in both dance/movement therapy and in everyday life. Beginning with an introduction that questions ways in which the breath can be integrated more thoroughly in the field of dance/movement therapy and the takeaways that can serve able body-minded individuals in their everyday lives, it then transitions into the review of literature in physiological contexts, breath and …

Using Dance/Movement Therapy To Bridge The Disconnect Between Mind And Body In Elite Competition Dancers, Hayley Rosenfeld

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

This thesis focuses on elite dancers who participate in dance competitions across the United States. The elite competition dancer’s entire world revolves around dance. There is an intense training environment, where these dancers are pushed to their limits not only physically but mentally. These elite dancers face endless pressures and expectations set by their parents, coaches, peers and self. Unrealistic goals can be set for, and by, these dancers adding onto the heightened anxiety they are already exposed to. A disconnection of mind and body occurs during training. Disconnection is especially highlighted during competition weekend, moments before performance, and when …

Dance Of Attachment: Dance/Movement Therapy With Children Adopted Out Of Foster Care, Megan Haase

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

This thesis is an investigative inquiry into the use of dance/movement therapy with children adopted out of foster care and their families. By focusing on the relevance of attachment and trauma with this population, this thesis draws connections between dance/movement therapy theoretical components and literature and the needs of this population. Children adopted out of foster care experience disrupted attachments and traumatic histories of separation, abuse, and neglect. As the literature illustrates, attachment and trauma are body-level experiences, and when addressing these issues, they must be approached through a modality that involves, engages, and values the body and the memories, …

Soul And Spirit: Cultural Healing Practices And The Roots Of Dance/Movement Therapy, Ashley Stevenson

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

Dance has been a part of the global culture for centuries. Sacred dance traditions, although artistic in nature, have been used as a means to sustain and mend civilizations. Members of the African diaspora have had to practice in these cultural practices in secret or not practice at all due to prejudicial laws and codes. Somehow, these traditions are remembered and performed on members of the African diaspora in urban cities across the globe. Over the years, these African healing dance traditions have taken on new form and language through the emergence of new psychotherapeutic disciplines such as creative arts …

Racial Bias And Dance/Movement Therapy: Manifestation Of Therapist Bias In Nonverbal Communication And The Therapeutic Relationship, Emily Marie Murdock

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

A healthy relationship between a therapist and client is core to the therapeutic process. This therapeutic relationship occurs in the context of the culture at large, and will be affected by the cultural identities of both the therapist and client. With this in mind, it is vital that therapists cultivate cultural humility and become familiar with their own cultural identity and biases, to grow in awareness of their effect on interaction with clients. In dance/movement therapy, the nonverbal and embodied elements of relating are especially important to consider. This thesis focuses on racial identity in the context of cultural realities …