Dance Movement Therapy, Past and Present: How History Can Inform Current Supervision

Abstract

Background: In looking at the history of dance movement therapy (DMT), three stages of professional focus are identified: Emotional body/movement; verbal processing as it relates to body/movement; and movement analysis and observation tools. Models of supervision for young DMT therapists appear to have paralleled two of these stages, and not the third. This article aims to address a need in the field of DMT in the area of therapist-supervision. Sources of Evidence: A literature review covering the history of DMT, and the existing supervision models in DMT and their effects, provides support for the author's argument. Main Argument: The author proposes to parallel the third stage of focus in DMT's development. Namely, it suggests integrating movement-analysis and observation tools into the existing models of supervision. While many existing models benefit from experience-based supervision, there is a need for a professional distance from the supervision material. This could be achieved by using methods of movement observation and analysis, developed in the field of DMT. One of these methods would be combined with the experiential aspects of supervision, and thus provide both inner understanding, and outer perspective, leading to greater therapeutic insight. Conclusions: This article is of importance to DMT supervisors and therapists, as well as to other professionals who view supervision as an integral part of training. It clarifies the importance of structured analysis approaches when using verbal and nonverbal work in supervision, to create an appropriate distance from the supervision material.

Dance Movement Therapy: Is There Scope in Modern Medicine?

“…Initially, therapists disassociated from imposing movements with strict alignment for aesthetic purposes but instead manoeuvred it to be a form of communication with the patient that provides them with the opportunity to self-express. [7] Marian Chace, a pioneer in dance movement therapy, expressed that 'dance is a communication' [10,11]. Through her revolutionary contribution-Mirroring (a technique in which the therapist mirrors the patient's movement) [12], she ensured that the patients felt understood and used this as a process of reassurance for the patients.…”

“…This was brought to the fore as, traditionally, dance was associated with a healing power before its Mini-review Article incorporation into modern medicine [5,6]. The origins of this field are based on modern dance as the style relies heavily on direct expression [7]. Although, controlled research with large sample sizes regarding DMT are yet to be conducted [5].…”

The Contribution Of A Unique Supervisory Model To Novice Dance/Movement Therapists

“…Those that examine the effects of using verbal language to relate to movement on psychological indicators, such as emotional intelligence and self-efficacy (Wiedenhofer & Koch, 2017) and those that study the effects of movement and dance use on body/movement indicators that reflect dynamic psychological dimensions (Federman, 2001;Ko, 2014). Models are lacking for supervision and research that integrate these two positions (Shalem-Zafari & Grosu, 2016).…”