7 Proven Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy for Adolescents
Introduction
Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is gaining recognition as a powerful therapeutic tool for adolescents. By combining movement with psychotherapy, DMP offers a unique approach to addressing various mental health issues. This article explores the seven proven benefits of DMP for adolescents and why it is becoming an essential part of modern therapy.
What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP)?
Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) integrates movement and psychotherapy to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Unlike traditional therapy, which often relies heavily on verbal communication, DMP uses creative movement to help adolescents express themselves non-verbally. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle to articulate their feelings verbally (Koch et al., 2014).
Enhanced Emotional Expression in Adolescents
DMP provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions, making it easier for adolescents to express feelings they might not have the words for. This helps them manage their emotions more effectively over time. For example, an adolescent dealing with anger might use vigorous, strong movements to express frustration, preventing the build-up of suppressed emotions (Levy, 1995).
Improved Social Interaction Through Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Group DMP sessions promote interaction, empathy, and communication among participants. Activities like mirroring exercises, where adolescents mimic each other's movements, foster a deeper understanding and empathy. These exercises help adolescents learn to read non-verbal cues, improving their ability to communicate and connect with others, which is crucial for building healthy relationships (Meekums, 2002).
Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem with DMP
DMP encourages self-expression and creativity, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. Adolescents find joy in spontaneous movement, which translates to a sense of accomplishment and pride. This increased confidence often extends beyond therapy sessions, positively impacting other areas of their lives, such as school performance and social interactions (Karkou & Sanderson, 2006).
Trauma Healing and Emotional Resilience
For adolescents who have experienced trauma, DMP offers a powerful avenue for healing. Movement helps release stored emotions, aiding in the recovery from trauma. Integrating elements of art therapy, such as drawing or painting feelings before moving, can also aid in processing and expressing trauma. Van der Kolk (2014) explains that by accessing and releasing trauma through the body, individuals can experience profound emotional healing, reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions (Van der Kolk, 2014).
Reduced Anxiety and Stress Through DMP
Movement releases endorphins, natural mood lifters that lower anxiety levels. Regular participation in DMP activities provides a healthy outlet for stress. A session might include rhythmic movements or activities like stretching and breathing exercises, helping adolescents relax and enjoy the physical activity. Kiepe, Stöckigt, and Keil (2012) found that regular participation in dance and movement activities significantly lowers anxiety levels, providing a healthy outlet for stress and promoting overall well-being (Kiepe et al., 2012).
Physical and Cognitive Development with Dance Movement Psychotherapy
Engaging in sensory play and movement activities helps adolescents develop greater body awareness and motor skills. This can reduce the risk of body image issues and related mental health problems. Activities in DMP sessions promote physical fitness, coordination, and motor skills, which are crucial for overall development (Chaiklin & Wengrower, 2009). Additionally, DMP supports cognitive development by enhancing brain function and improving focus and concentration (Kiepe et al., 2012).
Academic Performance and Focus in Adolescents
Physical activity boosts brain function, leading to better academic performance and cognitive development. Integrating short movement breaks or DMP sessions into the school day helps students reset and refocus, improving their attention and engagement in academic tasks. Ratey and Hagerman (2008) discuss how physical activity enhances brain function, leading to better academic performance and cognitive development (Ratey & Hagerman, 2008).
Real-Life Examples from My Practice
In my work as a DMP therapist in primary schools in London, I've seen the transformative power of DMP firsthand. For example, I worked with an adolescent who struggled with low self-esteem and body image issues. Through DMP sessions involving creative movement and body awareness exercises, the adolescent began to develop a more positive relationship with their body and increased self-confidence. Another instance involved a group of adolescents who had difficulty expressing their emotions. Through collaborative movement activities, they learned to communicate their feelings more effectively and formed stronger connections with their peers.
Services I Offer
I offer both in-person and online DMP sessions. Whether you're looking to integrate DMP into your school program or seeking one-on-one support for your child, I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of my clients.
In-Person Sessions: Tailored one-to-one and group sessions for schools, nursing homes, mental health centers, and community centers. These sessions promote well-being and emotional healing for clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Online Sessions: Personalized sessions from the comfort of your home, designed to explore emotions, release tension, and reconnect with the body. These sessions are flexible and can be tailored to meet each client's specific needs and goals, empowering them to embark on their healing journey at their own pace.
Conclusion
Dance Movement Psychotherapy offers a unique and effective way for adolescents to express themselves and heal. Interested in learning more? Contact me to discuss how DMP can benefit your child or school.
I hope this article has shed some light on the benefits of DMP for adolescents. Now, do you know if DMP is offered at your child's school? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Warmly,
Erica
