Dance Movement Psychotherapy

   

DMP is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling. In principle the inclusion of the body provides an extension of the therapeutic options. Through acknowledging and supporting individuals’ movements, the therapist encourages development and integration of new adaptive movement patterns - together with the emotional experiences that accompany such changes. DMP can support the communication and social interaction that enables individuals to express feelings which may have never been verbalised.

                          

Props are used to create a multi- sensory experience to support the therapeutic process.

DMP is practised as both an individual and group therapy in health, educational, social service and private settings. Therapists work with children, adults and the elderly, who have emotionally distress, communication difficulties, learning needs, physical or mental conditions and people who want to use the medium for personal growth.

DMP is an established health profession. The theoretical framework is a form of creative and body oriented psychotherapy. It is an integrative approach that is applied in psychodynamic, behaviourist, systemic and humanistic contexts of health care.

 DMP benefits:-

• Learn to manage feelings that interrupt    learning

• Maximise resources of communication 

• Enhance social interaction skills & competence

• Increase self-awareness, self-esteem, body perception &   

  personal autonomy 

• Experience links between thought, feelings & actions 

• Increase & rehearse adaptive coping behaviours 

• Express & work through overwhelming feelings, thoughts & conflicts

• Develop a trusting relationship

"Dancing & moving with others can open hearts, not only to the fears & frustrations of life, but also to the magnificent strength & beauty manifested in bodily expression & communal bonding"