Differences Between Dance 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.

While non-alcohol, smoke free, dance jams can be fun and at times, enlightening, these are community events. Whereas, dance and movement oriented therapies are often provided at a clinic. At times, this form of treatment might also provided as part of an overall regimen which includes other aspects of physical therapy. Whether one attends sessions at a local hospital or the office of a local physical therapist, it is essential to follow all plans and guidelines to assure success in sessions and overall healing.

Dance oriented therapies began thousands of years ago having a positive effect on many different areas of life. These areas include, birth, sickness, health and death. It was not until 1930 that a new philosophy took hold that resulted in the establishment of this treatment in Europe and the United States. After which, many colleges and universities began offering a specialized focus of dance in the field of psychology.

Before being established as a valid form of psychotherapy, dance had always been seen primarily as an expressive form of art. Then, after more of these therapies were established in the 1950s, a number of professionals begin working in the field now known as dance therapy. While there are now programs focused on this type therapy, originally these therapies were provided by general psychologists and psychotherapists around the world.

These dance oriented therapies can be divided into two distinct waves. The first involves the use of dance as related to the medical community. Once a well known therapist noticed the effects movement had on clients, a larger field of movement therapy was formed. Once several clients had reported success in overcoming emotional and physical issues, more therapists started providing these type services.

Students began to report feelings of overall well being which attracted the attention of others in the medical field. A few doctors began sending clients to classes. It was not long after that a therapist would begin a movement based therapy program at a well known hospital in Washington D. C. It was at this hospital that a number of trials took place. These trials often showed some aspect toward positive change in the life of the individuals participating in various forms of dance therapy.

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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