Discovering Dance Therapy And Movement Based Treatment

By Joshua Reed


When it comes to music, a number of people love to dance. Whether dancing at a club to a live band, at a disco, or community event, dancing can be fun. Whereas, when it comes to movement based treatment, the ultimate goal is a sense of healing emotional or physical issues or wounds.

One aspect of dance therapy uses a correlation of preparation, evaluation, illumination and incubation. This correlation combines these four stages of treatment into one overall plan. Depending on the religious or spiritual aspects of clients, these type therapies have also been known to create a deeper connection to self, and if applicable, spirit.

These therapies are often provided in a clinical or medical setting. While community dances such as the many ongoing non-alcohol, smoke-free, barefoot dance jams that occur on an regular basis are often hosted in churches, community centers or schools. In either case, dance is one activity which has the ability to effect the overall health and well being of the dancer. In some cases related to physical injuries, individuals may be sent to a physical therapist who can also integrate movement based therapies into an overall treatment plan.

Originally developed thousands of years ago, dance and movement therapies have had a major impact on issues related to birth, death, happiness, sickness and health. In 1930, a new philosophy was born which helped establish these therapies in the United States, Europe and around the world. Then, once it became clear the effects had been proven, several colleges and universities began offering a focus on this area of psychotherapy.

Before that time, dance had only been viewed as an expressive art form in the United States and Europe. Once movement became an accepted form of healing, several therapists became interested in working in the area. After which, a focus of dance and movement were added to a number of degree programs in the area of psychology.

Throughout history, dance can be divided into two waves. The first wave involved the use of dance in the medical community beginning in 1942. After which, a choreographer, dancer and therapist began to notice the effects dance had on her students. As a result, the field of dance and movement based therapy was created.

Once students began reporting that movement aided in overall happiness, health and well being, several doctors began sending clients to these new therapists. A local therapist then began offering a program at a hospital in Washington, D. C. It was at this location that several trials related to this therapeutic form took place. During these trials, it became clear that healing could take place as a result of these type therapies.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the second wave of dance appeared on the scene with a new and different ideology. It was at this time that therapists began to experiment and explore new and exciting applications. After which, therapists around the world began to create and apply different modalities and techniques of dance therapy based solely on the need of clients.




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