Becoming a client, becoming a practitioner: student narratives of a dance movement therapy group

Abstract

This paper documents one of several themes arising from a larger research study which invited trainees' views on their experience in a weekly, 2 year, dance movement therapy (DMT) personal development group. This group formed part of their post-graduate training. The study used a phenomenological, grounded theory and collaborative methodology followed by an interpretive framework. The research sought to discover participants' views on the experience of this personal development group in relation to their clinical practice with DMT groups during and following their training (the latter is not the subject of this paper). The study identifies a gap in the literature on trainee experience, particularly in relation to group process. Following a brief introduction and overview of methodology employed, the theme entitled 'becoming a client, becoming a practitioner' is presented, as it manifested for the students in the DMT group over time. The personal development component of therapists' training is directly relevant to most counselling/psychotherapy and arts therapies practitioners; consequently, the study has broader implications.

The Use of Narrative Therapy with Clients Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

“…NT, as presented in this article, was used in individual counseling; however, NT may also be used effectively with couples (Donovan, 1998), families (Arad, 2004), and groups (Payne, 2004). Clients who have been diagnosed with BD often suffer from the effects of labeling, such as being categorized as being crazy.…”

Becoming visible as a profession in a climate of competitiveness: The role of research

“…As a result, she was able to offer explanations for both therapeutic gain and deterioration, linked to the client's degree of psychological safety. Interestingly, Meekums' research supports and is supported by other collaborative qualitative research by Payne (2004), which highlights the importance of safety in student learning within personal development groups.…”

Personal development groups in post graduate dance movement psychotherapy training: A study examining their contribution to practice

“…The experience of being a client: This was still seen as a valuable aspect of the DMT group on follow up (Payne 2004). The group provided them with a strong sense that DMT was the right path for them, professionally, but also that DMT had an intrinsic value, which had been experienced personally, a foundation on which to build their professional practice.…”

“…Trainees' own needs for self exploration in an 'as if client' role, identified in the pre-DMT group questionnaire analysis were met in a primary way (Payne 2004), but the influences of this exploration on practice was also evident as a tracing into the final interviews. For example:…”

“…A critical literature review and methodology related to this study can be found in Payne (1999) and Payne (2004) respectively. Other major findings from this study concerned the 'question of safety' (Payne 2001); 'ferocious polar bears' as symbolic of destructive group forces (Payne 2002); 'becoming a practitioner-client' (Payne 2003) and 'the DMT approach, including loss and physical contact' (Payne 2006).…”