Because of the well-known benefits of physical movement in strengthening and supporting the body’s intellectual, emotional, and motor functions, dance/movement therapy (DMT) has become a popular and successful therapeutic approach.
At Honey Lake Clinic, many different types of dance/movement therapy are used in correlation with other forms of treatment and education, offering you a deeper awareness of yourself and a perfect environment to explore your feelings, behaviors, and interactions with others. Contact our knowledgeable team online or call 888.428.0562 today to learn more about our mental health therapy programs in Florida.
What Is Dance/Movement Therapy?
Dance/movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance as a part of treatment and recovery programs. A licensed DMT practitioner leads sessions within a therapeutic setting, using movement to help you achieve emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration.
Types of Dance Therapy
Dance therapy can be used in treatment, focusing on different aspects and techniques. Some commonly used types include:
- Authentic movement – This approach focuses on the inner experience and expression of movement without external influence or judgment.
- Creative dance/expressive movement – This type allows for self-expression through spontaneous movements and encourages creativity and imagination.
- Laban/Bartenieff-based movement – This technique uses specific exercises and patterns of movement to improve body awareness, coordination, and emotional expression. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
- Movement improvisation – This method involves spontaneous movement exploration, allowing the release of emotions and access to unconscious material.
- Somatic movement – This approach uses the mind-body connection to explore and integrate emotions, thoughts, sensations, and movements.
Dance/movement therapy can also be tailored to specific demographics or needs, such as children, adolescents, seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those struggling with addiction. Depending on your treatment goals and preferences, it can be used in individual or group sessions.
Settings Conducive to DMT
From treating autism to Alzheimer’s, mood to mental health disorders, and physical disabilities to physical therapy, DMT is useful in many different settings—including:
- Daycare centers
- Health promotion programs
- Hospitals
- Mental health facilities
- Rehab facilities
- Nursing homes
- Prisons
- Private practice
- Schools
Different types of dance/movement therapy are employed in various settings, devised to meet other therapeutic ends.
What Are Different Dance Activities and Their Benefits?
Dance therapists may utilize different dance and movement activities and techniques to address your needs. Licensed and experienced practitioners may incorporate many diverse elements. Some examples include the following:
- Travel – Participants move across a room based on prompts from the leader. For example, “Move as if you felt good about yourself internally.” Variations include moving as if happy, after bad news, feeling guilty, or receiving an award.
- Mirror – Participants observe their movements in full-length mirrors following the leader’s prompts.
- Mirroring – Matching movements to show empathy. Participants mirror each other or the therapist’s movements.
- Life’s Journey – Depict life’s journey from birth to the future through movements.
- Simon Says – Focus on following simple instructions or mimicking the leader’s movements.
- Movement metaphors – Use movement metaphors or props to demonstrate therapeutic challenges or achievements.
Dance/movement therapy is an example of the unique treatment options available at Honey Lake Clinic, which enable us to help you address your health across all three spheres—spirit, mind, and body—offering you the most significant potential for wholeness and transformative growth.
Enroll in Dance and Movement Therapy at Honey Lake Clinic
At Honey Lake Clinic, we’re committed to providing compassionate care and the practical equipment necessary to significantly improve the condition that brought you to our program. We offer a faith-informed model, experienced staff, licensed professional caregivers, and individualized treatment—all in a beautiful and tranquil 1300-acre lakeside setting. Call us today at 888.428.0562 or contact us online to learn more.
