Dance Movement Therapy, Alternative Treatments for Mental Illness & Physical Disabilities

MAIN Art & Culture Dance Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is a relatively new addition to the tools available to counselors and healers.

Since it was first practiced in the 1940s, dance therapy or DMT (dance movement therapy) has been recognized as a beneficial therapeutic method for treating not only psychiatric and psychological illness and learning disabilities, but physical ailments and handicaps.

Recognized as the original pioneer of dance therapy in America was Marian Chace who first introduced an unusual way of dealing with psychiatric illness at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. With evidence of its effectiveness (in the days before the use of psychotropic drugs became widespread) dance therapy was soon hailed as a revolutionary way of reaching those suffering from severe mental illness.

Although still primarily recognized as an effective way to treat emotional and mental illness - and to reduce stress and enhance motor abilities - modern dance therapy is also used to heal other disabilities and diseases or to lessen symptoms. These include autism, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder, More recent applications have even included an effective supplementary technique in natural childbirth.

Around the Web, discover more about dance movement therapy including information on its use in recognized and alternative therapies, along with educational and training resources ....

also see in Music -> Music therapy

More about dance therapy around the Web:

American Dance Therapy Association - The official site with authoritative facts and information on on dance therapy, credentials, funding and more. A truly international, well maintained and reliable resource on dance therapy with related resources.

American Journal of Dance Therapy - Published twice a year, the online journal has access to abstracts on research and issues in dance therapy. Full articles are on a pay-per-view basis.

American Cancer Society - This article is written for the patient researching dance therapy as an alternative complementary treatment for cancer. The information and resources are clear and reliable.

Dance Therapy and Relaxation Therapy: Effects on Anxiety
Report on a research study that includes a wealth of references to the history and development of dance therapy as well as some online and offline materials.

How to Become a Dance Movement Therapist - About.com with a good overview of educational professional requirements including estimated salary ranges and related resources to more information.