The process of therapeutic change in dance movement psychotherapy

Abstract

Dance movement psychotherapy (hereinafter referred to as DMP) uses movement and dance within the psychotherapeutic framework to achieve therapeutic changes. The aim of this research was to explore the process of therapeutic change in DMP using the descriptive phenomenological method. The research was conducted as a case study. The case study was carried out on a female student, aged 27, who attended DMP for 3.5 months and kept a therapy journal. The results represent the course and the structure of the process of therapeutic change with the following components: (1) motivation for therapy, (2) therapeutic relationship, (3) direct involvement of the body in the therapeutic process, (4) use of movement, space and props as metaphor/symbolism and double awareness, (5) feelings before a creative act, (6) creative act, (7) feelings after a creative act, (8) transfer from the therapeutic setting to everyday life. The creative act represents a pivotal moment in which therapeutic change occurs, but for it to happen, all the other components of the therapeutic process are also necessary. ‘Direct involvement of the body in the therapeutic process’ and ‘use of movement, space and props as metaphors/symbolism and double awareness’ are components that are recognised as unique features of DMP. For further research, it is suggested to use different methodologies on a larger and representative sample and on diverse populations in terms of age, issues, and psychophysical abilities.