“No tears or brain words”: A case report on single-session dance/movement therapy for individuals with schizophrenia 

Abstract

Background: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia face a multitude of challenges in their lifetime including complex symptomatology, co-morbid health concerns, profound levels of stigmatization and diminished access to quality care. Additionally, they are often the victims of unjust systemic biases and discrimination when they are able to engage with the health system. This confluence of injustices leads to disparate physical and mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Globally, schizophrenia affects over 24 million, many of whom are experiencing healthcare disparities posing a significant public health concern. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is an equitable healthcare provision situated in a strengths-based and trauma-informed psychotherapeutic framework. Dance/movement can support the symptomatic needs of schizophrenia including alternate reality orientations, thought and behavioral disorganization, and diminished interpersonal engagement. Case Presentation: This intrinsic case report examines the experience of a 37-year-old African American cisgender male, with high symptom acuity of schizophrenia, who engaged in a single-session DMT intervention. Conclusions: Following the intervention, the participant exhibited a decrease in symptomatology as evidenced by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale in total scores as well as subscales of psychological distress, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and resistance. Moreover, following the DMT session he expressed having had a transformative experience, feeling like a contributing member of the group process. He also reported feeling a sense of pride, and experiencing the ability to engage in healthy relationships, and noting shared and meaningful experiences in his group process. Future research should explore the potential for DMT, an inclusive and equitable treatment option, to support individuals with schizophrenia.