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A Body-Based Program Development Project To Prevent Burnout Among Mental Healthcare Professionals, Amanda J. Abeling

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

Using the Delphi Method as a guide, a self-care program for staff members was developed out of one dance/movement therapy intern’s experiences at a suburban mental healthcare facility. Designed to increase one’s connection to self, personal observations were gathered, professionals in the field were consulted and the program was created and implemented. Themes of stress, fatigue, and burnout among the mental health care profession are discussed. Previous research on body awareness, dance/movement therapy theories, and self-care are also discussed in order to provide a framework with which to understand the development of the program. 72 pages.