The Beginner's Guide to Dance Movement Psychotherapy for Kids

Introduction

Ever wondered how movement can help kids express their emotions and heal? Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) does just that. This guide will introduce you to the basics of DMP and how it benefits children. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school professional, understanding DMP can be a game-changer for supporting children's mental health.

What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP)?

Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) combines movement and psychotherapy to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Unlike traditional therapy, which relies heavily on verbal communication, DMP uses creative movement to help children express themselves non-verbally. This approach is especially useful for kids who might struggle to articulate their feelings (Koch et al., 2014).

How Does Dance Movement Therapy Work?

DMP sessions involve a variety of activities designed to encourage movement and expression. These can include improvisational movement, role-playing, and sensory play. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel free to explore their emotions through movement.

Improvisational Movement: Children are encouraged to move freely, allowing their bodies to express what they may not be able to put into words. This can be particularly liberating and can help children discover new ways to cope with their emotions.

Role-Playing: This helps children explore different perspectives and express emotions in a controlled environment. Role-playing can be a powerful tool for developing empathy and understanding.

Sensory Play: Activities like playing with sand, water, or textured objects help children develop a greater awareness of their bodies. This can be particularly beneficial for younger children or those with sensory processing issues.

The Science Behind Dance Movement Psychotherapy

The connection between body and mind is a cornerstone of DMP. Movement affects mental health by helping to release pent-up emotions and reducing stress. Research supports the efficacy of DMP, showing improvements in emotional regulation, social skills, and overall well-being (Karkou & Meekums, 2017). Studies indicate that physical activity, including dance and movement, can enhance brain function and cognitive development, making DMP a valuable tool in both therapeutic and educational settings (Kiepe, Stöckigt, & Keil, 2012).

Emotional Expression and Regulation Through DMP

Movement provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions, making it easier for kids to express feelings they might not have the words for. Over time, this helps them manage their emotions more effectively. For example, a child dealing with anger might use vigorous, strong movements to express their frustration. This kind of physical expression helps prevent the build-up of suppressed emotions, which can lead to anxiety and stress (Levy, 1995).

Enhancing Social Skills with DMP

Group DMP sessions promote interaction, empathy, and communication among participants. Activities like mirroring exercises, where children mimic each other's movements, foster a deeper understanding and empathy. Through these exercises, children learn to read non-verbal cues, improving their ability to communicate and connect with others. These skills are crucial for building healthy relationships (Meekums, 2002).

Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence

DMP encourages self-expression and creativity, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. Kids 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. For instance, creating a unique movement sequence can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride (Karkou & Sanderson, 2006).

Supporting Physical Development and Body Awareness

Engaging in sensory play and movement activities helps children 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. For example, interacting with a sand tray or engaging in water play helps children explore different textures and movements, enhancing sensory and motor development (Chaiklin & Wengrower, 2009).

Addressing Trauma and Emotional Healing

For kids 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 their feelings before moving, can also aid in processing and expressing their 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).

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

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 children 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).

Enhancing Academic Performance

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).

What a DMP Session Typically Looks Like

A typical DMP session is structured yet flexible, tailored to the needs of the child. Sessions usually start with a warm-up to help children settle into the space and become comfortable. This is followed by improvisational activities, sensory play, or role-playing exercises. The therapist guides the session, providing support and encouraging children to explore their emotions and movements. The session ends with a cool-down period, allowing children to reflect on their experiences and gradually transition back to their everyday activities.

Measuring Success in Dance Movement Psychotherapy

Success in DMP is measured through regular assessments and feedback from children, parents, and teachers. Progress is evaluated based on improvements in emotional regulation, social interactions, and overall well-being. The therapist may use observational tools and questionnaires to gather data and adjust the therapy plan as needed. Continuous communication with parents and educators ensures that the child’s progress is closely monitored and supported (Karkou & Meekums, 2017).

Integrating DMP into the School Curriculum

Integrating DMP into the school curriculum can have a profound impact on the school community. DMP can be included in physical education programs, extracurricular activities, or as part of a comprehensive mental health strategy. Schools can benefit from the improved emotional and social well-being of students, leading to a more positive and productive learning environment. Successful implementation often involves collaboration between DMP therapists, teachers, and school counselors to create a cohesive support system for students.

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 instance, I once worked with a child who had difficulty expressing anger. Through vigorous, strong movements, the child was able to release and manage their frustration effectively. Another example involved a group session where children with social anxiety began to open up and interact more comfortably with their peers through shared movement exercises.

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: Embracing the Journey of Healing

Dance Movement Psychotherapy offers a unique and effective way for children 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 DMP and its transformative potential. Now, do you know if DMP is offered at your child's school? Let me know in the comments below!