Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Dance, Movement, And Performance With Israeli And Palestinian Children Living In War Conflict, Maria Ninos

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research was to unite Palestinian and Israeli children who are living in war conflict through movement. This research took place at a kibbutz in Israel, where I worked with an interfaith peace education organization whose mission was to motivate understanding, tolerance, and respect among Israeli and Palestinian children. Using a methodology rooted in performance ethnography, I studied the culture of 11 children in the camp as they engaged in four movement sessions. The focus of each session was to enhance their social and team building skills. Using the experience from the sessions, I facilitated the development …

Maintaining Stability In The Face Of Adversity: Self-Care Practices Of Human Trafficking Survivor-Traniners In India, Ashley Fargnoli

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

What are the lived experiences of self-care for human trafficking survivors in Kolkata, India who are working with other survivors? Within the human rights organization, Kolkata Sanved, survivors of human trafficking are implementing dance/movement therapy (DMT) based techniques to empower other survivors. These survivor-trainers are currently fulfilling the dual role of survivor and provider. Six women between the ages of 22 and 28 participated in this transcendental phenomenological study. Semi-structured interviews were the primary mode of data collection. Artistic methods were also included to engage participants in movement to further reflect on their experiences of self-care. To analyze the interviews, …

Exploring Empathy: A Dance/Movement Therapy Program For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Krista Samborsky

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this program development project was to assess how Rena Kornblum’s (2002) activities from Disarming the Playground: Violence prevention through movement and pro-social skills could be adapted for adults with developmental disabilities (DD), resulting in a Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) treatment program focusing on empathy. The project set out to answer the following question: How can Rena Kornblum’s activities from Disarming the Playground be adapted for adults with DD, resulting in the development of a DMT treatment program? The program development cycle created by Rossman and Elwood Schlatter (2008) with formative evaluation was used in the development of Exploring …

Creating Family: A Phenomenological Needs-Assessment Of Adoptive Parents For Implications In Dance/Movement Therapy, Eva C. Glaser

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify adoptive parents’ predominant, post-adoption needs through a phenomenological needs-assessment. While the initial lens of attachment theory was utilized, the phenomenological methodology allowed for a variety of needs and experiences to emerge. The results served as a basis for exploring how dance/movement therapy (DMT) may effectively play a role in adoption services. The participants of the study included five adoptive parents and two adoption counselors. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using Anderson’s intuitive inquiry, including a resonance panel of individuals who had experience with adoption, personally or professionally. …

Swing Dancing Along The Spectrum: A Proposed Unique Adjunctive Treatment Approach For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alia Mulder-Rosi

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a class of developmental disorders typically diagnosed during childhood. ASD is characterized by social deficits and repetitive behavioral patterns, which cause clinically significant impairment and are not better explained by intellectual disability (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This doctoral paper proposes swing dancing as an adjunctive treatment option for high functioning adults with ASD. Swing dance is a category of social, partner dance initially set to swing style jazz music. This category most notably includes Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug and Balboa. Swing dance is an activity which grants social structure, is typically surrounded by an accepting …

Religious Multicultural Competence Amongst Dance/Movement Therapists, Jaclyn Abramson

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand how dance/movement therapists, with BC-DMT or R-DMT credentials, acquire, foster, and perceive their own religious multicultural competence. The research question was how do dance/movement therapists develop religious multicultural competence? Through the methodology of a qualitative case study and the data collection method of a focus group, I examined the selfperception of each participant’s own religious multicultural competence. After I transcribed and analyzed the data, I uncovered several themes, highlighted in the Results section. Once the analysis was complete, I utilized the data analysis method of intuitive inquiry. Findings included a) a definition …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Dance/Movement Therapy Appraoches To Eating Disorders, Apryl Marie Grasty

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis is an annotated bibliography of dance/movement therapy approaches to eating disorders. The leading question of this research was: What information exists on dance/movement therapy approaches to eating disorders? Through data collection of articles, book chapters, online interviews, and the suggestions of therapists in the field, a total of twenty-six sources were annotated in this bibliography. The bibliography is organized by the author’s last name and each citation provides the author’s qualifications, analysis of content, and assessment of strengths and weaknesses. During the research process, the writer discovered that the selection of sources, such as master’s theses, were not …

Enhancing And Sustaining The Personal Wellness/Self-Efficacy Cycle Of A Dance/Movemet Therapy Intern, Lynn R. Chapman

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the personal wellness/self-efficacy cycle of a dance/movement therapy (DMT) intern, in order to deepen understanding of the interrelatedness of personal wellness and professional self-efficacy, as well as explore how to enhance and sustain them. Interns must develop the skill of self-care in order to promote health, wellness, and confidence in their work and prevent burnout and low self-efficacy. By focusing on process, this study highlighted the skill development of self-care. Therefore, two questions guided this heuristic study: What DMT techniques enhance and sustain my personal wellness/self-efficacy cycle? What is the process that …

Unfolding Self-Esteem Adolescent Girls' Self-Esteem And The Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention Of Improvisation And Planned Movement Formation: A Pilot Study, Mallory Ingram

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this mixed methods single-subject case study pilot was to examine the impact that the dance/movement therapy intervention of improvisation and planned movement formation, created by dance/movement therapy pioneer Trudi Schoop, (Levy, 2005) can have on self-esteem. The research question was: How is adolescent girls’ self-esteem affected by the dance/movement therapy intervention of improvisation and planned movement formation? The hypothesis stated: If the dance/movement therapy intervention of improvisation and planned movement formation is utilized in dance/movement therapy sessions, then adolescent girls’ selfesteem will increase. The study occurred at a private high school with four participants for six sessions. …

The Lived Experience Of Vicarious Trauma For Providers: A Narrative Phenomenoleogical Study, Ambryn D. Melius

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This research seeks to gain a greater understanding of the first-hand, lived experience of vicarious trauma for providers who have worked with individuals experiencing trauma. Through the application of phenomenological and participatory action methodologies, the experience of vicarious trauma is illuminated. Narrative exchanges between the co-researchers–the author and eleven providers–further explore the roles of the body and narrative process within this phenomenon. A conceptual evolution of vicarious trauma is presented, along with literature connecting the body and narrative within the trauma field. Data includes co-researcher’s recorded and transcribed interviews, vicarious trauma narratives, and written feedback. Embodied writing selections conducted by …

Counselor Identity Development: A Heuristic Look Into The Past, Present, And Future Role Identities, Jaquel Stokes

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore and gain further insight into personal and professional roles. Through personal self-reflection, this researcher sought to better understand how her religious/spiritual and teacher roles influenced her professional identity as an emerging dance/movement therapist and counselor. This research study utilized and completed two full cycles of the heuristic methodology by engaging in two stages of data collection and data analyses, and therefore produced two creative syntheses through expressive movement. Nine co-researchers assisted during the investigation of personal and professional role identities. After analyzing and synthesizing the data as a whole, a movement piece …

A Journey Through The Embodiment Of Aggression, Anson Relick

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research study was to understand what I could learn from my body as I experienced movements based on the observation of children’s aggression. There were several research questions that guided this study: how could the embodiment of aggression prepare me in my journey of becoming a dance/movement therapist? What would develop for me on a body level when I embodied movement qualities I associated with aggression? How could I gain a greater sense of empathy for my patients who act out aggressively? And are there recuperative or preventative measures I could help my patients take, based …

The Phenomenon Of Play Within A Dance/Movement Therapy Setting With Adults, Alison Teichart

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the phenomenon of play and its integration into a dance/movement therapy (DMT) setting with adults. This research focused specifically on adults because play is often neglected during adulthood—despite the fact that play continues to be vital throughout life and has many therapeutic properties. In this phenomenological qualitative study, data was collected through interviews with dance/movement therapists, who identified themselves as using play within their clinical work. From the data, themes were identified, which revealed how dance/movement therapists integrated play into their work and what they experienced as a result of this integration. …

A Theoretical Comparison Of Dance/Movement Therapy And Expressive Arts Therapy, Heidi Landgraf

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This theoretical comparison of dance/movement therapy (DMT) and expressive arts therapy (EXA) was created in order to better understand the major principles and concepts behind each field. A brief history of the predecessors of each field was discussed, along with five principles from DMT and five concepts from EXA, as chosen by the writer and based on her preferences in alignment with her personal theory and methodology. The comparison that follows discussed the ways in which both fields converge, diverge, and complement one another. The fields have many points of agreement where there is only subtle difference in language, but …

A Moving Journey: Personal Reflections From Dance/Movement Therapists With Non-Traditional Backgrounds, Meghan Nicole Slade

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The field of dance/movement therapy remains a discipline populated by Caucasian females. Although training has developed to treat diverse populations, little attention has been given to increasing the diversity of those studying and practicing the modality. Other than theses created by minority students training to become dance/movement therapists, minimal research has been conducted to understand how the field can invite more diversity. This thesis includes a documentary in which five dance/movement therapists with non-traditional backgrounds were interviewed using the methodology of Organic Inquiry. Their stories provide insight regarding the experiences non-traditional students in dance/movement therapy. Findings include instances of personal …

Explorations Into Continuity: An Heuristic, Artistic Inquiry Into The Interplay Between Work As A Dance/Movement Therapist And Service Within The Bahá’Í Community, Elena M. Rezai

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the concept of integration between two main aspects of my life: my professional career as a dance/movement therapist on an inpatient adolescent behavioral health unit, and service guided by Bahá’í teachings in a neighborhood-based setting. Literature reviewed encompassed instances of Rudolf von Laban’s Effort elements found in the Bahá’í Writings, as well as research on the integration between the mind, body and spirit, the history of religion and mental health, and the current relationship between religion and mental health. Both artistic inquiry and heuristic methodologies were used to guide my research. Through …

Breaking The Silence And Moving Voices: Dance/Movement Therapy In The Treatment Of Male And Female Sexual Trauma Survivors, Sarah A. Winkler

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research was to decipher the benefits and challenges of using a body-based therapy on male and female survivors of sexual trauma, to explore how dance/movement therapy is a therapeutic intervention that facilitates recovery within this population, and to illuminate whether gender socialization practices have an impact on how trauma is processed and emoted within the male and female bodies. The thesis provides information about common presenting problems, treatment models, and case studies for both sexes of this population. Using a loosely structured eleven count questionnaire, case studies, anecdotes, and movement observations employing Laban Movement Analysis terminology …

Performance As Therapy: An Intervention For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Emily A. D'Annunzio

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The research thesis titled, “Performance as therapy: An intervention for adults with developmental disabilities” examined how adults with developmental disabilities (DD) respond to this specific dance/movement therapy intervention. It shows how this intervention method addresses the psychosocial goal of increasing interpersonal skills. The research took place at a day rehabilitation center, located in Chicago, IL. The co-researchers are participants of a day rehabilitation program, which offers creative arts therapies. The co-researchers are both male and female who range in age from 21 to 60. Caucasian, African American and Hispanic ethnic backgrounds are represented. Co-researchers have DD, which include diagnoses of …

Towards Integration: An Autoethnography On The Development Of Identity, Kanchana Henrich

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis is an autoethnography that explores my own experience of identity development. The intention of this research was to try and find an answer as to why I have not yet been able to develop a cohesive sense of self, in which I am able to accept and embody all of my seemingly disparate parts. I have thus far in my life felt scattered, and unable to accept both the cultures into which I was born, as well as the cultures to which I am organically drawn. Through introspection, reflective writing, and interviewing family members, I have been able …

Moving Toward Leadership: A Case Study Of Latina Adolescents And Effective Communication, Isela Estrada

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The problem addressed in this study is the need for Latina adolescents to develop effective communication and leadership skills that will support their success in U.S. culture and society. This thesis is a case study of two Mexican-American adolescents who participated in a twelve-session leadership program at a dance studio. The goal of the study was to test the effectiveness of Rena Kornblum’s (2002) Disarming the Playground curriculum as a social skills program to improve leadership, effective communication skills, and group cohesion. This study included video footage of the adolescents engaging in movement-based role-play scenarios, which was examined using qualitative …

Mindful Bodies: The Use Of Guided Meditation With Dance/Movement Therapy In Addiction Treatment, Melissa A. Sanchez

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

Body-based approaches, such as dance/movement therapy (DMT), in addiction treatment can be anxiety provoking for those seeking sobriety. Strengthening the relationship between therapist and client using compassionate methods, such as guided meditation, prior to DMT sessions has, in the experience of this researcher, helped establish a safe environment in which to experience DMT. Using guided meditation as a method of creating comfort within the body aided in achieving the goal of enhancing one’s awareness of emotions, thoughts and sensations through the use of body-based methods.

Increasing self-awareness of emotions and physical sensations is an important step on the road to …

Doing It Alone: Supporting A Single Mother Through Authentic Movement (An Artistic Inquiry), Lucrecia Platt

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this study was to take an in-depth look at the human experience of single motherhood and how authentic movement, a body based movement practice used in dance/movement therapy, can play a role in supporting one single mother cope and navigate through mental, emotional, and physical struggles. This study documented my experience, illuminating the relationship between single motherhood and authentic movement. Heuristic methodology was used to collect data and took the form of personal journals. This data documented my authentic movement experience.

The creative process method of artistic inquiry was then used to help further analyze my experience …

Choreography And Performance With Deaf Adults Who Have Mental Illness: Culturally Affirmative Participatory Research, Sondra H. Malling

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) techniques—particularly choreography and performance techniques—have not been well-researched with Deaf adults who have mental illness. This study investigated the use of DMT, choreography, and performance techniques with Deaf adults with severe and chronic mental illness through participatory artistic inquiry. Primary research questions addressed pragmatic matters of participatory artistic inquiry: What aesthetic choices will the co-researchers make in the dance-making process? How does the researcher provide structure and incorporate her experience as a choreographer without overshadowing the contributions of the co-researchers? Broader philosophical research questions included: How do choreography and performance techniques impact this population’s well-being? How does …

Dance/Movement Therapy And Autism: A Case Study, Katherine Ann Porter

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis explores the development of the therapeutic relationship with a child with autism through dance/movement therapy. The characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder effect social interactions, communication, behavior and interests. This means there is difficulty engaging and maintaining reciprocal social interactions, and trouble with receptive and expressive language. The purpose of this study is to describe how movement mirroring in dance/movement therapy affects the development of the therapeutic relationship with a child with autism, through the analysis of the Ways of Seeing approach.

The data collected in this clinical case study consisted of video tapped sessions and Laban Movement Analysis …

Examining Multicultural Competency Education In The Creative Arts Therapies, Donna C. Owens

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

In the changing landscape of the United States, the skills and competencies of helping professionals must continue to address the unique needs of its various populations. As a growing field, the creative arts therapies must adopt multicultural values and standards necessary to remain competitive and relevant.

This study addressed the issue of multicultural counseling competency training in the creative arts therapies from three perspectives: the governing association, the training institution, and the student/trainee. Throughout this study the term creative arts therapies includes art, dance/movement, drama, expressive arts, music, poetry, and psychodrama.

Information concerning the associations for each of the seven …

Dance/Movement Therapy In India, Rakhi Rangparia

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This research presents the field of dance/movement therapy (DMT) in India. The purpose of the research was to understand how DMT is practiced and perceived by current dance/movement therapists in India. The qualitative, ethnographic research was conducted in India by interviewing dance/movement therapists and observing the current DMT practice. The ethnographic component of the research was included to investigate the cultural influence of DMT practice in India. The results presents the social and cultural perspectives about DMT in India including: the challenges and the success experienced in the DMT field by current dance/movement therapists, the western DMT techniques used and …

Total Body Integration: A Phenomenological Heuristic Study, Deva M. Connett

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research was to study the experience of a novice dance/movement therapist’s exploration and re-patterning of the six developmental patterns of total body connectivity and integration, as outlined by Peggy Hackney, and to determine the impact they have on daily life. Literature reviewed describes the evolution of the patterns of connectivity as a holistic approach to changing maladaptive movement patterns and begins to suggest how they can be an effective tool in dance/movement therapy due to research supporting the mind-body connection, systems theory, and embodiment theories. Phenomenological and heuristic research methodologies were applied in the research design, …

Effort And Personality According To Rudolf Laban: An Artistic Inquiry Of Mobile State, Sara R. Van Koningsveld

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis addresses literature on movement psychology, through the artistic application of Rudolf Laban’s theory on effort and personality. Unpublished and published literature was compiled to synthesize concepts developed by Laban and his successors, including William Carpenter, a primary co-developer of effort and personality theory. This research focuses on Mobile state, as a combination of the effort qualities within Time and Flow. Personal familiarity with these qualities and a desire for increased self-awareness were factors that contributed to choosing literature on and movement application of Mobile state.

Artistic inquiry was applied to increase my body knowledge of Mobile state, while …

Dance/Movement Therapy In Inpatient Hematological Cancer Treatment, Megan Hall

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This quasi-experimental, mixed methods study examined the effects of dance/movement therapy on three types of outcomes (quality of life, anxiety and depression, and coping methods) for adult cancer inpatients who received treatment for a hematological cancer diagnosis. It was hypothesized that if hematological cancer patients participated in three or more dance/movement therapy sessions, then they would find a greater quality of life, decreased feelings of anxiety and depression, and an improvement in coping methods. Those patients who participated in three or more dance/movement therapy sessions while in the hospital formed the intervention group, and those who did not formed the …

Finding The Rhythm In Dance/Movement Therapy: The Use Of Tap Dance In Residential Treatment, Alexandria D’Aurio

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This thesis project was inspired by this researcher’s passion and interest in rhythm and more specifically tap dance. There is currently no literature on the use of tap dance in dance/movement therapy. The project was guided by the research question: How can tap dance be used as a dance/movement therapy (DMT) technique? By combining tap dance and dance/movement therapy the purpose of this thesis is to provide the DMT community (clients and dance therapists) with more knowledge and tools to use for facilitation and to further deepen the process in DMT sessions. The research will be presented in a clinical …