Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Dance/Movement Therapy And Attachment In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit- Critical Literature Review, Weronika Rozwadowska

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement therapy, out of all of the expressive arts therapy modalities, is most often used in relation to attachment because of its embodiment. While dance/movement therapy has been researched in relation to attachment, is it hard to find literature about dance/movement therapy supporting attachment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This critical literature review explored and examined the question of how dance/movement therapy can support parents’ wellbeing and its influence on the attachment with their infants in the NICU. A search for literature on the topic happened mostly online on several bibliographic databases. The majority of the sources were …

Dancing Through Anxiety: A Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention To Treat Comorbid Anxiety In Youth With Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Sarah Taggart

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex disorders that impact many factors of functioning. Many individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders have comorbid anxiety that often goes untreated because clinicians have difficulty recognizing and differentiating symptoms of the disorder from symptoms of anxiety. For this reason, noticing and treating symptoms of anxiety in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders is important in improving quality of life. This thesis shows the development of a method to treat comorbid anxiety in youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders tend to have difficulty expressing emotions verbally. Dance/movement therapy is a psychotherapy specializing in nonverbal communication. Research has shown that …

Nourishing Movement: The Role Of Food In A Dance/Movement Therapist’S Practice: A Literature Review, Gabriele Dunkley

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is an inquiry into the role of food in dance/movement therapy (DMT). It aims to deepen the understanding of how essential nutritional requirements, nourishment, and an individual's relationship with food can integrate into the practice of a dance/movement therapist. The review explores the impact of nutrition on physical energy and brain function, underscoring its significance. It also examines factors influencing food choices and delves into the historical relationship between dancers and food and DMT's connection with eating disorders. Ultimately, the review proposes practical methods for DMT practitioners to integrate this knowledge into their work by introducing a …

Dance/Movement Therapy: A Novel Approach For Latino Males With Incarceration Histories In Sud Treatment, Aletia Egipciaco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper investigates how open clients would be to participating and engaging in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) sessions at a residential SUD facility. The questions asked were (1) What level of engagement would clients have and (2) How would they engage in DMT group sessions at a residential substance use disorder facility? A program lasting 8 weeks, aimed at facilitating DMT group sessions, was conducted at a residential SUD facility twice a week. The objective was to assess participant engagement levels and observe their involvement in the DMT sessions. Residents of the facility were invited voluntarily to attend the DMT groups. …

Utilizing Dance/Movement Therapy For Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Development Of A Method, Jayda Pearson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While there is limited research on the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This thesis introduces an intervention focused on utilizing (DMT) to assist children with ADHD in self-regulation during periods of dysregulation associated with the disorder. The research is backed by literature reviews covering various topics related to ADHD symptoms such as dysregulation, impulsivity, and attention difficulties. Furthermore, the thesis delves into the background of dance/movement therapy and explores how DMT can be integrated with other modalities such as play therapy for a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

A Comparison Of Body-Based Therapies Of Infant Development: A Literature Review, Nicole Rivera

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this thesis, I discuss two body-based therapies and explore their theory, body movement observation, assessments, application, and qualifications within an infant population. After my research, I have a more in-depth understanding of the differences and similarities between the methods and have more comprehension around what makes dance/movement therapy unique. I discovered that dance/movement therapists can collaboratively work alongside any medical facility due to the extensive training one must go through. A dance/movement therapist can use an assortment of assessments to give a client a treatment plan designed uniquely for them and their therapeutic goals. A dance/movement therapist can hold …

Embodied Parenting, Attentive Movement And The Kestenberg Movement Profile For Improving Physical, Emotional And Mental Health Domains For Postpartum Parents: A Literature Review, Kayla M. Medeiros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research has shown that dance/movement therapy (DMT) can improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of parents and DMT continues to be researched for parents going through postpartum. Postpartum is a phase of pregnancy that can affect the well-being of both birthing and non-birthing parents. DMT studies such as Kestenberg Movement Profiles (KMP), Embodied Parenting, and Attentive Movement offer techniques that can be used in all phases of the pregnancy. Phases include perinatal, delivery, postpartum, and family work. The review of dance/movement therapy literature and the impact it has on parents going through postpartum is just the beginning of some …

Securing Attachment In The Nicu Through Polyvagal-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Sophia Schneider

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The integration of polyvagal theory (PVT) and dance/movement therapy (DMT) may offer a nuanced approach to healing attachment between the parent-infant dyad in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This embedded modality offers insight into the manner in which attachment is influenced by a neurobiological basis, as well as how various somatic elements may assist in restructuring the autonomic nervous system to promote social engagement, self-regulation, and co-regulation. Therefore, this literature review explores the core elements of PVT and DMT, including the core rhythms of respiration, heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate, and vascular feedback/rhythmicity, and their influence on improving …

Nou Rive La Ak 2 Pye Nou: Exploring Creative And Expressive Movements With Recently Arrived Haitian Migrants Through A Community Engagement Project, Sahita Pierre-Antoine

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Haitian individuals and families constitute a large portion of the recently arrived migrants in Massachusetts. As the State struggles to respond to the logistics of the migration crisis, migrants are grappling with the mental health sequelae of their long and traumatic journeys: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms are the top diagnoses among this population. Offering mental health services requires culturally-centered and trauma-informed methods that can respond to the needs of this population. Dance/movement therapy is an expressive modality that can be rooted in the rich cultural symbols and practices of the migrants to support them as they …

Utilizing Flow Arts Movement As An Expressive Arts Therapy Tool To Treat Trauma: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Shannon Mcgrail

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This expressive arts-based autoethnography research explores the effectiveness of using flow arts movement as a tool of expressive arts therapy to treat symptoms of trauma for individuals who experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. While research on the use of flow arts movement to treat mental illness is in its early stage, much can be drawn from the literature on expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy research with a range of populations addressing trauma. Through exploration of trauma through neuroscience, mind, body, and integrated mindfulness through flow, this work aims to bring an understanding of using intermodal expressive arts …

Exploring The Intersections Between Dance/Movement Therapy And Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing: A Literature Review, Kelsey Woods

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are body-based approaches that facilitate the integration of the emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of an individual. This literature review explores the intersections between DMT and EMDR and discusses potential ways these two methods may be integrated to support the therapeutic process. Research shows that developing body awareness, self-regulation skills, resourcing, and using movement are common principles and practices with DMT and EMDR. Both modalities are also found to help with decreasing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and grief. Although limited, common neural networks are activated through the sensory experiences …

Grief Like Mine: A Literature Review Exploring Culturally Informed Grief Work For Black Youth Using Dance/Movement Therapy, Darrell Hyche

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Black American youth are exposed to more death related circumstances than their peers yet are severely underrepresented in literature focused on the broader scope of children’s bereavement. More research and analysis are required to develop and implement culturally relevant interventions as they embark on their grief journey. Dance/movement therapy has the capacity for providing support that is culturally specific and able to meet the developmental levels of children, yet its grief focus work is limited. This literature review aims to bridge the gap between Black grief and dance/movement therapy as a culturally informed practice. An analysis of various forms of …

The Use Of Mirroring For Couples Exploring Attuning, Intimacy, Empathy, And Attachment Through Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Lydia Roderick

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review attempts to address the complex nature of couples work using a dance/movement therapy (DMT) intervention technique called mirroring. This is explored to see if mirroring can advance a couple’s level of attachment, intimacy, empathy, and attunement. The literature review gives an overview of topics such as couples therapy work, DMT, dance/movement therapy for couples (DMT-C), attunement, attachment theory, intimacy, and empathy. The review concludes with a discussion surrounding the DMT intervention of mirroring. The methodology applied focuses on DMT-C as a treatment modality to bring focus on using the mirroring intervention to build attachment and attunement. This …

Connecting Dance/Movement Therapy And Social Emotional Learning In An Integrated Early Childhood Setting, Katie Monopoli

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Students and educators are currently engaging in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices across the grade levels amidst an emotional and behavioral crisis effecting many schools. This community engagement project explored the intersection of Dance/Movement Therapy and SEL in a public preschool setting. Movement groups were held based on the SEL concepts in the curriculum to help students embody and understand them. Through movement, play, and props, students were able to express their emotions and connect with one another over the course of four sessions. The research both in literature and practice conducted by the author show the positive impact of movement …

Connecting To Self And Others Through Authentic Movement And Music: A Community Engagement Project, Caitlin Evans

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Authentic Movement is a therapeutic practice often utilized in the field of dance/movement therapy. Inspired by Carl Jung’s Active Imagination, Authentic Movement consists of a person dancing, the “mover,” and a person watching the dancer, the “witness.” Research has shown that practicing Authentic Movement is beneficial for individuals as it helps with emotional regulation and a sense of well-being, among other things. This thesis explores the effects of Authentic Movement in a community workshop with the incorporation of a device, called PlantWave, that translates body biorhythms into music. Traditionally, Authentic Movement is practiced in complete silence aside from sounds that …

Social Media And Dance Movement Therapy In The Latinx Community, Ambrie Sward

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis is a literature review that combines scholarly articles, personal experiences, and social media content to explore, support, and define dance movement therapy (DMT) and Latinx identity. Social media posts from YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and Zoom are analyzed to heal and evoke social change. The social media posts analyzed are from celebrities such as America Ferrera, Becky G, Heidi Rojas, and Selena Gomez. Additionally, personal artistic responses are included.Throughout this capstone thesis, there is discussion about dance movement therapy, social media, Latinx community and cultural identity. Themes include a lack of belonging, advocacy for mental …

Using Expressive Arts Therapy To Develop Coping Mechanisms To Manage Substance Use, Zayna Mcdonald

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper examines past and current usages of expressive arts therapy in developing coping mechanisms for substance use recovery and explores possibilities for further integration in the adolescent and young adult population around the world. Abundant information is available on the effects of drugs and other substances on mental health, but more research is needed on how the integration of expressive arts therapy can enhance substance abuse programs for these populations. According to the CDC, elevated adverse effects on mental health occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US with young adults reporting increased substance use (Czeisler et al., 2020). …

An Embodied Approach To Sexual Education: Developing A Method For Disabled Adults, Eliza Owen-Smith

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Sexual education is often a topic that gets neglected when it comes to the general public. Schools lack thorough curriculums, often approaching the subject from a fear-based perspective of pushing abstinence only, as opposed to teaching about healthy and safer sexuality. One can imagine, then, the disparity in education among disabled populations. In this thesis, I create and enact a method to educate intellectually and developmentally disabled adults on topics relating to sexual education in an embodied way. This thesis takes into account the current research on dance/movement therapy, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and sexual and somatic psychotherapy to …

Playful Dance/Movement Therapy For Traumatized Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: Development Of A Clinical Method, Teagan Collis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis project explored the potential for dance/movement therapy (DMT) to be an accessible and effective treatment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that have been impacted by trauma. People with IDD are more vulnerable to adverse life events than the neurotypical population. Past research has largely used treatment designed for neurotypical people who communicate and interpret life events in different ways than people with IDD. The expressive arts therapies, and DMT specifically, have the potential to create a positive embodied experience for people with IDD that have been impacted by trauma. The current method consisted of …

The Development Of A Dance/Movement Therapy Method For Social Engagement With Adolescents In A Partial Hospital Program, Kayleah Pensalfini

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health can significantly impede navigating the social domain during adolescence. Research has indicated social development of adolescents may be impacted by psychopathology and emotional development, further hindering one’s formation of self. There is also limited research showing the effectiveness of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) with the adolescent population. This writer designed and adapted one DMT session for adolescents to understand this topic better. This capstone will present an adaptable method utilizing a DMT intervention with participants between the ages of 13-17 in a Partial Hospital Program (PHP). This project aimed to examine how DMT can support self-identity and the acquisition …

Rhythmic Co-Regulation As A Recovery Tool For Grief, Loss, And Change: A Literature Review, Rebecca Kushner

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Rhythm is a core tenant in the field of dance/movement therapy. Rhythm is a particularly noteworthy tenant due to its easeful translation and universality across populations and cultures. The literature review below is a trauma-informed exploration of how rhythm might aid in the recovery process of change, grief, and loss at both the individual and collective levels. Research is explored across historic and present-day rituals which embody dance and rhythm while societal expectations, the denial of death and the harmful effects this produces are scoured closely. This literature review looks at bereavement processes in family and group systems and how …

A Literature Review Exploring The Effectiveness Of Dance/Movement Therapy As A Treatment Modality For Adults With Dual-Diagnosis In Recovery, Helen Turnbull

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

The following literature review is an investigation of the current state of the literature regarding the use of dance/movement therapy as a treatment modality for adults with dual diagnosis in recovery. The theories explored in this paper present the primary and conventional modes that are currently being used to treat substance use and comorbid mental health disorders, such as the 12-Step program model of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as introducing alternative methods of treatment, which include the use of dance/movement therapy, body-oriented psychotherapy, and the somatic work of the Alexander Technique, which offer a more holistic approach to healing …

Preventing Military Suicide Through Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Chae Reid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In 2022, 328 military members across the active component, Reserve, and National Guard died by suicide, the same as in 2021. In March 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III commissioned the Suicide Prevention Response Independent Review Committee to evaluate existing suicide prevention programs and strategies across the entire Department of Defense. This literature review aims to highlight the use of dance/movement therapy and other expressive therapies within the military, and how the arts have been utilized specifically for suicide prevention. Due to the lack of research on the use of dance/movement therapy, the articles included various studies of other …

Examining State Of Flow And Its Future In Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Rachael A. Cohen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper analyzes State of Flow, the definition codified by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and analyzes how Flow as a concept has developed in current psychological and artistic research, alternative therapies, and mainstream medias. This paper also views existing Dance/Movement Therapy frameworks such as Body-Mind Centering and Kestenberg Movement Profile to see how Csikszentmihalyi’s definition could integrate into current Dance/Movement Therapy practice, as well as looks at Laban Movement Analysis and its future in Dance/Movement Therapy. This thesis also examines how gender and neurodivergence may impact how one can experience State of Flow.

Dance/ Movement Therapy’S Influence On Students’ Social-Emotional Learning And Academic Success: Developing A Method In Hong Kong, Teresa Poon

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The current study examined the impact of dance/movement therapy (DMT) on students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) and academic success. Previous research shows a correlation between SEL and academic success, between DMT and SEL, and between DMT and academic success. As an English teacher and dance/movement therapist, the researcher of the current study is interested in exploring the integration of social-emotional learning and dance/movement therapy techniques in English language curriculum for an after-school class. This thesis outlines the six after-school lessons for a class of Secondary Four students. The results of the methods as facilitated with the class are discussed. By using …

Enacting Stories: Discovering Parallels Of Narrative And Expressive Therapies, A Literature Review, Zoe Reddig

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review will analyze the use of narrative therapy (NT) techniques, dance/movement therapy (DMT) techniques, and expressive therapy (ET) techniques in an effort to distinguish where theoretical parallels exist between these methods of counsel. Narrative therapy is a postmodern framework of counseling that assists clients in resisting damaging stories that have been embedded through bioecological systems of exposure throughout development. Narrative therapy structures its philosophy through processes of externalization and deconstruction, and encourages the process of reframing or re-authoring one’s personal self-narrative. At their core, DMT and ET already utilize components of foundational NT practices, through processes of enactment, …

Exploring The Intersection Between Facial Movement, Physiology, And Emotional Regulation: Developing A Method For Children, Kimberly Parker

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

For children in therapy, emotional regulation is frequently a focus of treatment. Identifying, understanding, and managing emotions are all key tasks in one’s development. Developing these skills at a young age has proven to be beneficial for one’s overall wellbeing. Approaching emotional regulation through a dance/movement therapy lens requires a focus on not only one’s cognitive perception of emotion but one’s physical sensation of emotion. Dr. Paul Ekman’s Facial Action Coding System provides a means of systematically creating the sensation of emotion. An individual can experience a physiological response by creating universally identified facial expressions. This thesis introduces a method …

Dance/Movement Therapy And Nonverbal Communication Among Older Adults With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Diane Davis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that affects many older adults. As it progresses, people slowly lose their verbal communication abilities. There is no known cure for dementia, and current treatments often fail to address the emotional and relational needs of the individual. This study builds on existing research by looking at how dance/movement therapy (DMT) may be an effective method for increasing nonverbal communication among the population living with dementia. DMT is a psychotherapy that prioritizes nonverbal modes of communication. DMT harnesses the power of movement and dance in relationship with clients. Two DMT sessions were conducted at an assisted …

Moving With The Lgbtq+ Community In Grief And Elderhood: A Literature Review, Marea Newell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic approach that incorporates the physical, emotional, and cognitive processes as a method for healing. Within the field of DMT, there has been limited research working with the elderly LGBTQ+ bereaved community. This research inquiry aims to expose this gap in the literature and offer approaches for future research based on the current literature in DMT and psychology. Through a review of literature conducted on google scholar and Lesley University’s library, relevant articles examining the experience of grief among elderly LGBTQ+ individuals, DMT among elderly and bereaved populations, and working with individuals who have experienced …

Dance/Movement Therapy And A Positive Impact On Sense Of Self For Individuals Living With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Brittany Metrolis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Individuals living with dementia suffer from degenerative cognitive functioning, which in turn makes it difficult for language, emotions, social behavior, reasoning, balance, muscle function and automatic functions. The researcher reviewed literature available to better ground themselves in the importance of recognizing and expanding sense of self for those living with dementia. A dance/movement therapy group focused on prop work in a residential memory care facility with men and women living with different forms of dementia was formed. Verbal and non-verbal responses were recorded in regard to three therapeutic themes: body autonomy, prop work, and therapeutic touch. Results from the self-observations …