Dance Movement Therapy Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Reciprocal Waves: Embodied Intersubjective Communication In Dance/Movement Therapy Practice, Xiaochuan Xie

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

In this thesis project, the author proposes a framework of empathic communication in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) practice. Based on Franz de Waal’s Russian doll model of empathy, the author explores three traditional phenomena in DMT practice that cultivate empathy and intersubjectivity: Primitive Mirroring; Shared Intention; and Movement Understanding. In each topic, the author extends the investigation into different areas of study in order to illuminate the profound connectedness of human empathic communication. The term Reciprocal Waves highlights the back and forth relationship-building process that occurs daily in dance/movement therapy practice. It is a framework derived from DMT practice that can …

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 …

Toward Expert Consensus On Guidelines For The Use Of Yoga In The Treatment Of Anxiety In Children And Adolescents., Laura J. Abels

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Despite clinical evidence to support the use of yoga as a treatment option for children and adolescents with anxiety, clinical practice guidelines do not exist. Purpose: This project used the modified Delphi technique to determine if consensus exists on the need for clinical practice guidelines among experts in the fields of child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, and yoga. Additionally, this project aimed to determine if consensus exists on what should be included in clinical practice guidelines for the use of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety in children and adolescents. Methods: Three rounds of questionnaires were used …

Critical Embodied Praxis For Social Justice And Peace Educators: A Story Of Personal Transformation Through Analysis Of My Jewish And Settler Identities, Cara Michelle Silverberg

Capstone Collection

In this paper, I examine definitions of and relationships between violence, oppression, peace, liberation, and embodiment in the context of critical pedagogy in order to construct a theory of critical embodied praxis for social justice and peace educators. Considering the body to be a tangible vessel through which narratives and mechanisms of violence are expressed and maintained, I explore the potential of the body to be a vessel through which liberatory narratives may be generated and shared. After constructing a theory of critical embodied praxis, I illustrate this framework in action through a personal narrative that explores the intersections …

Meeting Point: Partner Dancing As Couple's Therapy, Rami Eckhaus

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This dissertation research explored the experience of partner dancing as a therapeutic process that reflects upon the dynamics and interactions of couples who are in the process of couple's therapy. The research also aimed to gain insight on the ways in which the experience of partner dancing can support these couples' therapeutic processes. Partner dancing is a dance-form that is based on the interaction between two individuals. Such interaction requires the dancing couples to communicate on many levels that may uncover layers of their relational dynamics. In this research, five couples who were undergoing couple's therapy were asked to participate …

Integrating Alexander Technique Into Treatment Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis To Improve Patient Quality Of Life, Ana Nishioka

Scripps Senior Theses

The following thesis posits training in the Alexander Technique as a possible solution to address the comorbidities of poor body image and reduced feelings of efficacy in patients treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Both literature and personal accounts of AIS highlight that current conservative methods of treating AIS offered by the Western medical sphere, including observation, bracing, and physical therapy, do not adequately address, and may actually exacerbate, negative mental health symptoms. Patients are often represented as their external orthopedic diagnosis and receive limited emotional guidance in exploring their internal feelings about their body and its capabilities. Alexander Technique …

Stuck In Somatic Countertransference: A Heuristic Study, Katie Hochleutner

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

This heuristic research study explored how somatic countertransference in my own body, as a clinician, is related to my freeze response when working with clients in a behavioral health hospital. Primary questions that led the research, included: what does somatic countertransference feel like in my own body as a clinician, what happens in my body during a stress response of freezing, and, how can I modulate through my stress response to become regulated in session? These curiosities led to my ultimate research question, how can I, as an emerging dance/movement therapist, modulate through my freeze response while experiencing somatic countertransference …

The Manzano Movement Method (M3): Development Of A Dance/Movement Therapy-Influenced Seated Ballroom Dance Program For Adult Day Services For Persons With Dementia, Joshua Reese "Zano" Manzano

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a dance/movement therapy (DMT)-influenced seated ballroom dance program for adult day services for persons with dementia. This program development project, named the Manzano Movement Method (M3), aims to support quality of life by encouraging creative expression, reminiscence and socialization. M3 explored how seated ballroom dance can support the quality of life for this population via six different lessons of the following dances: waltz, cha cha, rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing. It also explored how the program can be utilized by care providers that are not dance/movement therapists. With collaborator help—stakeholders at an …

I Don't Know: An Artistic Inquiry Self-Study Of Clinical Decision Making In Dance/Movement Therapy, Sarah Wiltgen

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this artistic inquiry self-study was to engage in an embodied, in-depth process of exploration regarding how I engage in clinical decision-making. My research question was: “how do I, as an emerging dance/movement therapist, approach the clinical decision-making process?” Data was recorded through written journaling and video recorded improvisational movement. Journaling and movement were elicited through the visualization of a moment in a dance/movement therapy session in which I was caught off guard and needed to make a clinical decision. Such moments provoked anxiety and a freeze response that interfered with effective clinical intervention. Data was analyzed through …