DANCE THERAPY BY ADRIAN ATKINS, DANCE THERAPIST AND CHOREOGRAPHER
Dance Therapy is a way of using choreographed or improvised movement for healing social, emotional, cognitive or physical problems. The therapy is based on the premise that body and mind are fully interrelated, and that psychological and emotional problems are often held in the body in the form of muscle tension and restricted movement patterns. The state of the body can affect attitudes and feelings, both positively and negatively.
Dance promotes healing in a number of ways. Moving as a group brings people out of isolation, creates powerful social and emotional bonds and generates a sense of well-being. Moving rhythmically eases muscular rigidity, diminishes anxiety and increases energy. Moving spontaneously helps people to recognise and trust their own impulses and to act on or contain them accordingly. Moving creatively, as in improvised dance, opens up new ways of thinking and doing.
Dance Therapists in the Community can address varying problems in specific ways. After observing a client, the therapist will devise a personal programme - e.g. for a client who is lethargic through illness can be invited to explore specific movement techniques which help to improve circulation, deepen breathing, reduce tension and raise energy levels.
Using 'movement analysis', a therapist will look at the use of the body as a whole, posture, breathing, use of space, the client's sense of being 'centred' or grounded. In early sessions clients may be asked to express themselves through movement, with the therapist 'mirroring' these movements empathetically to reinforce his or her acceptance. Treatment goals will then be agreed with other staff members, if applicable, and reviewed regularly.
Group sessions help a therapist to assess how well a group works together and to intervene or direct to achieve shared goals. Themes such as trust, balance and mutual support and co-operation can all be successfully explored in groups.