Keywords

Dance, Dance Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Movement, Trauma

Abstract

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), an approach meant to facilitate holistic integration, has been historically associated with treating symptoms of trauma. Because it is a relatively new field, many questions still remain regarding appropriate interventions. In this extensive review of existing literature on the topic, I explored how DMT is applied in relation to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, culture-specific trauma and oppression, multigenerational trauma, and developmental trauma. Additionally, I delved into interventions with specific populations including refugees and young people. To identify the 26 items of literature referenced in this review, I conducted searches with appropriate terms on two scientific databases and filtered the results for relevancy. Most of the results mentioned DMT in treating PTSD specifically, which also overlapped with other factors. Many included case studies and pilot projects which explored various interventions. Across all the types of trauma examined based on mostly qualitative data, DMT improved symptoms. A sense of safety, self-regulation, empowerment, and resilience-building were among some of the results facilitated by interventions which specifically addressed symptoms. Phase-based treatment models had the most effective results. Despite positive implications, many of the authors indicated the need for further research in order for findings to be generalizable before they can be standardized in practice. For the time being, practitioners continue to move forward integrating best practices.