Dance and Movement Therapy
Dance and movement therapy is an expressive form of therapy that uses body movement to improve mental health and aid in addiction recovery. Encouraging individuals to express emotions through movement helps release trauma and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression—key factors that often contribute to addiction.
This therapeutic approach fosters body awareness, self-expression, and emotional healing, enhancing recovery. In addiction treatment, dance therapy helps reconnect individuals with their bodies, rebuild self-esteem, and develop healthier ways to cope with cravings and emotional triggers, making it a valuable addition to holistic recovery programs.
Aliya Health Group offers dance therapy in many of our programs across the country. Reach out today and learn more.
What Is Dance and Movement Therapy?
Dance and movement therapy (DMT) is a type of psychotherapy. According to the American Dance Therapy Association, movement is used to address a person’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. This form of therapy is based on the idea that the way we move reflects our mental and emotional state.
It supports the idea that by changing our movement patterns, we can change how we feel and function. It has become a popular choice of therapy for people struggling with a variety of issues.
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How Does Dance Therapy Work?
Dancing therapy is a flexible form of therapy and can look different on a person-by-person basis. With that said, here are some things you can generally expect when participating in dance therapy:
Nonverbal Communication: Movement can be a form of communication, especially for those who find verbal expression difficult. In DMT, movement is used as a primary way to communicate with the therapist and explore inner experiences.
Therapeutic Techniques: DMT therapists use a variety of techniques. This includes improvisation, mirroring (matching the client’s movements), and guided movement exercises. These techniques are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Assessment and Intervention: A therapist will observe a client’s movement patterns, posture, and coordination. This allows them to gain insight into their emotional and physical state. This observation helps the therapist design interventions that target specific areas for improvement.
The Power of Non-Verbal Expression
Non-verbal expression, often called body language, is a powerful tool that can communicate even more than our words. It is present in everything from facial expressions and gestures to posture and even silence.
There are several benefits that come with understanding and using non-verbal expressions effectively. This includes becoming better communicators, building stronger relationships, and improving overall interactions with others.
What Are the Goals of Dance and Movement Therapy?
Dance and movement therapy (DMT) uses movement as a tool to address a range of needs in individuals. There are a few goals promoted in movement and dance therapy. In particular, dance therapy aims to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being for improved health.
These goals can be applied to individuals of all ages and abilities. Dance and movement therapy is a versatile tool that can be used in various settings. This includes improving coping mechanisms for pediatric patients or supporting individuals with eating disorders.
What to Expect in Dance and Movement Therapy
Movement and dance therapy is not about learning fancy dance routines. DMT sessions center around using movement freely and authentically to express yourself and explore your inner world. There is no pressure to perform. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that encourage spontaneous movement.
Before you start moving, you will discuss your goals with the therapist. They may include improving body image, managing stress, or developing social skills. Throughout the sessions, there will be open communication to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
DMT can be done individually, in couples, with families, or even in groups. The therapist will tailor the sessions to your specific needs and preferences. While movement is key, DMT is not just a physical activity. It is a mind-body connection that provides insights into your behavior and develops healthier coping mechanisms.
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What Does Dance and Movement Therapy Help With?
Dance and movement therapy (DMT) is a form of therapy that uses movement to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. The therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Chronic pain
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays
- Brain injuries
- Eating disorders
Dance Therapy for Substance Abuse
For people struggling with substance abuse, DMT can be a valuable tool for recovery. There are many benefits to incorporating dance and movement into substance abuse treatment, including:
Improved self-awareness: Through movement, people in DMT can learn more about their bodies, thoughts, and feelings. This can help them to identify triggers for substance abuse and develop healthier ways of coping.
Stress reduction: Dance and movement can be a great way to release tension and relax. This can be helpful for people who are struggling with anxiety or cravings.
Body image improvement: Substance abuse can often lead to negative body image. DMT can help people to reconnect with their bodies in a positive way.
Social connection: DMT can be done in groups, which can help people build social connections with others who are in recovery.
Emotional expression: For people who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, DMT can provide a safe and supportive outlet for their emotions.
Somatic dance therapy is not a replacement for traditional addiction treatment. However, it can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive recovery plan. Our treatment programs can provide this level of comprehensive care and much more.
Dance Therapy for Mental Health Disorders
DMT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health disorders. It can provide those struggling with these issues the opportunity to explore their emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a safe and fun way.
Some of the mental health conditions that can be improved with dance and movement therapy include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
DMT can also be beneficial for people who are struggling with stress, grief, or low self-esteem. Overall, it can be a great tool for people struggling with mental health issues or difficult thoughts and feelings.
Dance Therapy for Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders are two or more mental health conditions that occur at the same time. They can be a challenge to treat, as each condition can make the other worse. DMT can be a helpful tool in treating co-occurring disorders.
This is because it can address both the mental and physical aspects of these conditions at the same time. The therapy can be a freeing and enjoyable way of reconnecting with oneself and letting go of negative feelings that contribute to a person’s co-occurring disorders.
What Are the Benefits of Dance and Movement Therapy?
Whether you are actively struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or any other problems, dance and movement therapy can be a great outlet for you. There are many benefits to participating in this form of therapy, including:
Improved physical health: DMT can help increase strength, improve flexibility, boost coordination, and reduce muscle tension.
Improved mental health: Research suggests DMT can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving overall quality of life.
Improved emotional well-being: DMT can promote self-awareness, improve self-esteem, and teach people new coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, grief, and other challenges.
Improved social skills: DMT can help people develop better interpersonal skills and empathy for others.
How Effective is Dance and Movement Therapy?
Research has shown dance and movement therapy to be an effective tool for reducing anxiety and depression, and increasing quality of life and cognitive abilities. This means it can be a great option for people struggling with both mental and physical health conditions.
If you are considering dance and movement as a form of treatment, we can help you determine if this is the right fit for you. Our programs offer holistic therapies like dance and movement therapy as a key part of our recovery approach.
Can Dance and Movement Therapy Help Me?
The therapy can be a great option for anyone looking to improve their emotional and physical well-being. Whether you are struggling with a serious behavioral health issue or simply want to incorporate more movement into your life, DMT can help.
Aliya Health Group works with an expansive network of treatment centers across the nation that offer therapies like DMT in their recovery approach. We can help you find a treatment program that works for you and offers a variety of evidence-based and holistic services.
Tips for Successful Dance and Movement Therapy
The most important thing to keep in mind when starting DMT is to release control and simply have fun. Of course, there are some tips you can keep in mind to make sure you have a successful start to your dance and movement therapy experience.
These include:
Consider your dance experience: There is no need for prior dance training when it comes to DMT! But if you have preferences, make sure to mention them to your therapist to find the right approach.
Open mind and body: Dance-movement therapy is about self-discovery, not perfection. Be willing to experiment and see where your body wants to take you.
Focus on the feeling: Try not to worry about how your movements look. Instead, pay attention to how they make you feel emotionally and physically.
Wear comfortable clothing: Looser clothing allows for a wider range of motion. But the most important thing to wear is whatever you feel most comfortable in.
If you are looking for dance therapy programs, Aliya can help you find one. Our expansive network of treatment centers offers a variety of services, including somatic movement therapy and dance activities. Reach out to us today to learn more about these programs and how we can help you on your recovery journey.
We accept health insurance
We accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. We currently work with the following insurance plans:
Check to see if your insurance is in-network at one of our rehab facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before entering outpatient treatment for substance abuse, most people have a long list of questions and concerns. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during outpatient programs, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Yes, our rehabilitation facilities have designated smoking areas available. However, kindly note that all cigarettes brought into the facility must be in unopened packs or cartons. The same rule applies to any cigarettes sent or brought by family or friends. Our staff will be more than happy to provide you with additional details regarding these guidelines during the admission process.
Yes, in most cases, we can offer repayment options tailored to your unique circumstances. For more details regarding personal repayment options, we recommend reaching out to our admissions team. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.
We accept all major insurance plans at our treatment locations. To learn more about insurance and treatment cost, contact our admissions team or fill out our secure insurance verification form.
Yes, we provide integrative dual diagnostics alongside a wide array of treatment modalities. Our core objective revolves around tackling addiction, while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use disorders. Our mission is to deliver effective and holistic care that encompasses both symptom management and the exploration of root causes of addiction.
In terms of cost, outpatient treatment is typically more affordable than inpatient options which require round-the-clock medical supervision. This makes it a viable solution for individuals who may be deterred from seeking help due to financial constraints.
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
