Dance Movement Therapy

Leading Light is excited to introduce our new, complimentary dance movement therapy program, starting in September. This innovative service includes both group and individual sessions, available in-person and virtually, to accommodate diverse needs and preferences. Embrace this unique therapeutic approach that combines physical movement with psychological support, fostering holistic well-being. Join us in embarking on a journey of healing and self-expression through dance, as we continue to expand our offerings to nurture mental health in our community. Sessions are designed to enrich your therapeutic experience. Secure your spot in this transformative program and discover the rhythm of wellness with Leading Light Behavioral Health Inc.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic approach that uses dance and movement to improve emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. It’s based on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected, and that movement can be an expressive form of communication and healing. Here’s an overview of DMT:

Key Principles of Dance Movement Therapy:

1. Body-Mind Connection: DMT believes that emotions and mental states are stored in the body. By moving and dancing, people can release physical tension, express emotions, and gain insights into their psychological state.
2. Non-verbal Expression: Movement allows individuals to express emotions and experiences that may be difficult to articulate verbally. This makes DMT particularly helpful for those who struggle to express themselves with words, such as children or trauma survivors.
3. Movement as Communication: The therapist observes how the individual moves and responds with their own movement, creating a form of non-verbal dialogue. This helps build rapport and trust, while also providing insight into the client’s internal world.
4. Holistic Approach: DMT addresses the whole person—emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially. It promotes emotional release, increases body awareness, and fosters social connection, all while improving physical coordination and fitness.

Applications of Dance Movement Therapy:

• Mental Health: Helps individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress by allowing them to express and process difficult emotions in a non-verbal, embodied way.
• Developmental Disabilities: Used to help those with autism, ADHD, and other developmental challenges to improve communication, emotional regulation, and motor skills.
• Physical Rehabilitation: It can assist with body awareness, mobility, and coordination, making it valuable in physical rehabilitation.
• Trauma Recovery: Through safe and guided movement, trauma survivors can reconnect with their bodies and begin the process of healing.

Techniques in Dance Movement Therapy:

• Mirroring: The therapist mirrors the client’s movements to build empathy and connection.
• Body Awareness: Exercises that help individuals become aware of physical sensations, posture, and movement patterns.
• Improvisation: Encouraging spontaneous movement to help clients break out of restrictive patterns, allowing for creative self-expression.
• Breathwork: Coordinating movement with breath to enhance relaxation and reduce tension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Dance/Movement Therapy? Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic approach that uses movement and body awareness to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. It helps individuals express themselves through non-verbal communication and can be especially effective for children and adolescents who may have difficulty verbalizing their feelings.
2. Who can participate in the Dance/Movement Therapy group? Caitlin’s group sessions are designed for children and adolescents, divided into two age groups: 8-12 years old and 13-15 years old. These sessions are open to both children with and without disabilities, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants.
3. When are the group sessions held? The Dance/Movement Therapy group sessions are held every Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, starting on October 25, 2024. These sessions are free of charge until January 2025.
4. Can my child participate in individual sessions instead of group therapy? Yes, Caitlin offers one-on-one Dance/Movement Therapy sessions for children who may benefit from more personalized attention. These individual sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
5. What should my child wear for Dance/Movement Therapy sessions? Children should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows them to move freely. Ballet attire is not required, but participants should be dressed in a way that allows for expressive movement.
6.  How can I sign up my child for a session? You can sign up for group or individual sessions by contacting Leading Light Behavioral Health directly through our website or by phone. Caitlin will also be available to answer any questions you may have about the therapy process.
7. Is there a fee for the group or individual sessions? Group sessions are free of charge until January 2025. Fees for individual sessions may vary, and we encourage you to contact us for more detailed information on pricing and availability.
8. What are the benefits of Dance/Movement Therapy for children and adolescents? Dance/Movement Therapy helps children and adolescents improve their emotional regulation, social-emotional skills, and body awareness. It can also support those with anxiety, trauma, or developmental differences in finding a creative and safe way to express their thoughts and emotions.