Dance & movement therapy is a form of CBT

Are you wondering how dance/movement therapy aligns with evidence-based psychology? Actually, one approach is that dance movement therapy is a form of CBT.

While dance & movement therapy is an embodied approach to problem solving, it can follow cognitive behaviour therapy principles for the same ends as the traditional psychology model.

Reframing and changing our relationship to stressors is not just something we can do by thinking differently.

The sensations that emotions illicit in our bodies need to be dealt with physically as well as cognitively. By turning our attention to these sensations, we can learn how to identify them more efficiently and amend the behaviour that doesn't serve us in the moment. We can practice moving through them, dealing with them internally and letting them out safely. Dance movement therapy brings the mind and body together so the client is fully embodied in the experience of change and all the sensations this brings. DMT utilises the mind and body to understand the stimulus that leads to negative behaviour or thoughts. Within the safe therapeutic space, the dance movement therapist joins the client on the journey to discover different perspectives, explore different ways to respond and practicing communication that is effective and practical.

This is how dance movement therapy is a form of CBT by applying the principles as a process for change:

1: Connection

Linking the emotions caused by the stressors and thoughts to the body sensations

2: Response

Noticing the natural movement dynamics attached to the thoughts (speed, fluidity, shapes, space used, body parts)

3: Disentangle

Finding and considering the relationship between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, and the behaviors that follow

4: Reframe

Exploring possibilities, maybe by role playing a different perspective or changing the movement dynamic while staying with the thoughts

5: Reinforce

Repeat and build on the movement dynamics that are effective, useful and applicable