Introduction to Dance/Movement Therapy: What It Is and How It Works
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to support the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals. At its heart, DMT is based on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected — that how we move affects how we feel, and how we feel is expressed […]
The Science Behind Dance/Movement Therapy: How Movement Affects the Brain and Emotions
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) may appear at first glance to be a creative or expressive practice rooted in the arts — and it is. But behind its flowing gestures, improvised movement, and embodied connection lies a growing body of scientific evidence that explains why it works. Neuroscience, psychology, and physiology all offer insight into how movement […]
Dance/Movement Therapy for Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD
Mental health challenges can leave individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. While talk therapy and medication remain essential tools in addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they are not always sufficient on their own. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) offers a unique, body-based approach that complements traditional methods by engaging […]
Movement as Communication: How Dance/Movement Therapy Helps When Words Fall Short
There are times when words simply aren’t enough. Whether due to trauma, developmental challenges, emotional overwhelm, or language barriers, many people struggle to articulate their inner world through speech. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) offers an alternative route — one that accesses the body’s innate capacity for expression, connection, and healing. In this context, movement becomes more […]
Dance/Movement Therapy Across the Lifespan: Children, Adults, and the Elderly
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a versatile and adaptive form of therapy that can support individuals at every stage of life. Whether working with young children just beginning to discover their bodies, adults navigating emotional or psychological challenges, or elderly individuals managing cognitive decline or physical limitations, DMT offers a nonverbal, embodied way to explore emotions, […]
Cultural and Community Aspects of Dance/Movement Therapy
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) does not occur in isolation. It is always rooted in culture, shaped by community, and informed by the social and historical contexts of both therapist and client. While DMT may focus on the individual’s internal experience, it is deeply influenced by collective traditions, movement languages, and cultural narratives. Recognising and integrating the […]
The Therapist’s Body: Self-Awareness, Embodiment, and Countertransference in Dance/Movement Therapy
Dance/movement therapy is unique among psychotherapeutic disciplines in that the therapist’s own body is not only a tool for observation, but also a vessel for communication, empathy and presence. Unlike traditional talk therapy, where much of the therapeutic relationship unfolds through dialogue, dance/movement therapy operates in the realm of the body — a non-verbal, visceral […]
Integrating Dance/Movement Therapy with Other Modalities: Art Therapy, Yoga, Talk Therapy, and More
In the evolving landscape of mental health and wellness, the integration of different therapeutic modalities has become increasingly valuable. Dance/movement therapy (DMT), with its focus on the body as a central medium of expression and healing, lends itself beautifully to interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether it's through the synergy of art therapy, the mindfulness of yoga, or […]
Starting a Practice: Training, Certification, and Career Paths in Dance/Movement Therapy
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a powerful and unique field that combines the creative, expressive potential of movement with the clinical framework of psychotherapy. For those drawn to the therapeutic arts, and particularly to the healing potential of the body, DMT offers a compelling career path. But like any specialised practice, becoming a qualified and effective […]
