Dance Movement Therapy in Dallas County, TX
![Photo of Mental Health And Social Justice Clinic - Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a95c2670-3734-4ada-86f5-e4fc8c273f81/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75240
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to children, teens, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, family, and group sessions. As well as yoga and mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma-informed therapy and our practice provides individual, couples, group, and family therapy services. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality therapy services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to children, teens, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, family, and group sessions. As well as yoga and mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are specialists in trauma-informed therapy and our practice provides individual, couples, group, and family therapy services. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality therapy services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you thrive in the community.
![Photo of Farha Khoja, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36c43e19-5676-47b6-9b83-e2fffdae87da/2/320x400.jpeg)
The modalities I integrate with can include Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Expressive Arts.
Now accepting NEW clients, with evening appointments available! Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? My passion is helping individuals like you reconnect with their authentic selves. By fostering curiosity, mindfulness, and integrating all of your parts, I aim to provide a safe space where you can feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking support through life's challenges, I am here to accompany you on your path. Every step of the way, I am committed to understanding your story and helping you achieve personal growth and resilience.
The modalities I integrate with can include Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Expressive Arts.
Now accepting NEW clients, with evening appointments available! Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? My passion is helping individuals like you reconnect with their authentic selves. By fostering curiosity, mindfulness, and integrating all of your parts, I aim to provide a safe space where you can feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking support through life's challenges, I am here to accompany you on your path. Every step of the way, I am committed to understanding your story and helping you achieve personal growth and resilience.
![Photo of Sonya Nance Rodriguez, PhD, LMFT-S, Nature, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad9181ff-8815-47c9-891b-0a473900f63d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sonya Nance Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S, Nature
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75219
Movement releases anxiety from the body, and nature broadens perspective while calming the nervous system.
Is change on your horizon, or have you recently walked through fire? Are you grieving and in need of a place to let it go or celebrate it? Let's go play outside!
Movement releases anxiety from the body, and nature broadens perspective while calming the nervous system.
Is change on your horizon, or have you recently walked through fire? Are you grieving and in need of a place to let it go or celebrate it? Let's go play outside!
![Photo of Julie Aguirre-Orcutt, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e06d8f85-ec78-4f7b-bd27-71562e48dd2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Aguirre-Orcutt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243 (Online Only)
Jule is a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, somatic educator & trainer on the worldwide stage. Named by Origin Magazine as one of the nation’s TOP “Leaders Who Inspire”, Jule ‘moves’ integrative wellness seekers with her unique approach to blending conscious movement, somatic awareness, & integrative psychotherapy to dynamically stimulate transformation & healing.
Jule is a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, somatic educator & trainer on the worldwide stage. Named by Origin Magazine as one of the nation’s TOP “Leaders Who Inspire”, Jule ‘moves’ integrative wellness seekers with her unique approach to blending conscious movement, somatic awareness, & integrative psychotherapy to dynamically stimulate transformation & healing.
![Photo of Priscila Tyler - Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic, PhD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e57b857f-b04f-4fef-8a72-d9c152285ec1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, family, and group sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are trauma specialists in informed therapy. Our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you grow in the community.
Want to try somatic therapy? We want to help you by providing trauma informed yoga, art, and dance therapy.
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides psychological evaluations and therapy to children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual, couples, family, and group sessions including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy. We are trauma specialists in informed therapy. Our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and violent crimes. Our licensed and skilled team of therapists is devoted to providing quality services and our social justice team is committed to seeing you grow in the community.
![Photo of Mathias Ngwa, PsyD, ABSNP, LPA, ICP, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486a972a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ngwa is a Licensed Psychological Associate, member of the American Board of School Neuropsychology, Certified IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback, Rhythmic Movement Training, Audio-Visual Entrainment, Cranio-Electro stimulation, and Remote (Home) Neurofeedback.
Are you looking for a psychological/neuropsychological evaluation and/or a medication free treatment for attention, sleep, migraine, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, headache, or traumatic brain injury problems? Are you a struggling learner seeking ways to improve performance at school, sports or work? Do you have a history of autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, language and communication problems, Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, memory difficulties, chronic illness, motor and balance coordination, developmental delay, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis?
Ngwa is a Licensed Psychological Associate, member of the American Board of School Neuropsychology, Certified IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback, Rhythmic Movement Training, Audio-Visual Entrainment, Cranio-Electro stimulation, and Remote (Home) Neurofeedback.
Are you looking for a psychological/neuropsychological evaluation and/or a medication free treatment for attention, sleep, migraine, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, headache, or traumatic brain injury problems? Are you a struggling learner seeking ways to improve performance at school, sports or work? Do you have a history of autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, language and communication problems, Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, memory difficulties, chronic illness, motor and balance coordination, developmental delay, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis?
![Photo of Heather Hollinsworth, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28261f47-4b92-4035-93b3-ef55c9a0859e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Hollinsworth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75248 (Online Only)
I provide talk therapy, walk-and-talk therapy, nature and ecotherapy, expressive arts, body movement therapy techniques.
I work with those 25 years and older who are dealing with life's transitions, stress, anxiety, trauma, vicarious trauma, burnout/burnout syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anger management, specific phobias, chronic health issues, gender identity, sexual identity, overall life dissatisfaction, self-esteem, grief, depression, and life after retirement. Whether you are venturing out into the world as a young adult or you are at the later end of your life; I want to be here with you through it. We will work together to process your experiences and develop new coping skills for your future.
I provide talk therapy, walk-and-talk therapy, nature and ecotherapy, expressive arts, body movement therapy techniques.
I work with those 25 years and older who are dealing with life's transitions, stress, anxiety, trauma, vicarious trauma, burnout/burnout syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anger management, specific phobias, chronic health issues, gender identity, sexual identity, overall life dissatisfaction, self-esteem, grief, depression, and life after retirement. Whether you are venturing out into the world as a young adult or you are at the later end of your life; I want to be here with you through it. We will work together to process your experiences and develop new coping skills for your future.
![Photo of Brittany Steigner, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcf7e8e2-3144-41e3-9781-74992c5d8829/2/320x400.jpeg)
I view therapy from a holistic perspective that includes dealing with the trauma that is stored in the body, incorporating the creative arts, movement, CBT, story work, regulation through grounding, and mindfulness.
I believe that no one is beyond hope or healing. I work with clients of all ages, from children to elderly adults. If you are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, grief, past trauma, depression, eating disorders, abuse, abortion, divorce, social anxiety, family conflict, etc., I would be honored to work with you. I also offer couples and family counseling, as well as Christian counseling. With a background in military life, as well as special needs, I am able to offer support and care for these particular individuals and their families.
I view therapy from a holistic perspective that includes dealing with the trauma that is stored in the body, incorporating the creative arts, movement, CBT, story work, regulation through grounding, and mindfulness.
I believe that no one is beyond hope or healing. I work with clients of all ages, from children to elderly adults. If you are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, grief, past trauma, depression, eating disorders, abuse, abortion, divorce, social anxiety, family conflict, etc., I would be honored to work with you. I also offer couples and family counseling, as well as Christian counseling. With a background in military life, as well as special needs, I am able to offer support and care for these particular individuals and their families.
![Photo of Hannah K Alexander, MA, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bed9663c-c3f3-4d8c-b78f-a5aea6b8aa1c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah K Alexander
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75205 (Online Only)
I have experience in different areas including trauma, domestic violence, women's issues, sexual assault/abuse, couples work, body movement through yoga, bariatric issues, and disordered eating.
Welcome and thank you for your interest. You are the expert on your life, and I'm here to offer new perspectives. I provide a safe space with unconditional, non-judgmental, and collaborative support during our work together. I can help craft personalized goals for a life full of all the things you feel might be missing. Let's find the life you want by healing the traumas of the past and freeing you to be your genuine self. Develop your ability to recognizing, name, and express your needs in a manner that affirms self respect and maintains the integrity of your relationships. You can heal, grow and feel better. We can do just that!
I have experience in different areas including trauma, domestic violence, women's issues, sexual assault/abuse, couples work, body movement through yoga, bariatric issues, and disordered eating.
Welcome and thank you for your interest. You are the expert on your life, and I'm here to offer new perspectives. I provide a safe space with unconditional, non-judgmental, and collaborative support during our work together. I can help craft personalized goals for a life full of all the things you feel might be missing. Let's find the life you want by healing the traumas of the past and freeing you to be your genuine self. Develop your ability to recognizing, name, and express your needs in a manner that affirms self respect and maintains the integrity of your relationships. You can heal, grow and feel better. We can do just that!
![Photo of Rachel Burleson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beda54e1-b8f3-4bac-9ad7-f5f53daf20ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Burleson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75218
Your life looks impressive from the outside. You’re responsible, accomplished and driven. However, your inner critic tells a different story. That nagging voice implies that maybe you’re not good enough and loves to point out where you’re falling short. Perfectionism, people-pleasing and over-functioning has kept you going, but it’s exhausting. You want to feel loved, connected and seen, but it’s hard to prioritize yourself and your needs. You might not even know what they are at this point.
Your life looks impressive from the outside. You’re responsible, accomplished and driven. However, your inner critic tells a different story. That nagging voice implies that maybe you’re not good enough and loves to point out where you’re falling short. Perfectionism, people-pleasing and over-functioning has kept you going, but it’s exhausting. You want to feel loved, connected and seen, but it’s hard to prioritize yourself and your needs. You might not even know what they are at this point.
![Photo of Charmaine L. Conner, PhD, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5e198ca-1aa2-4e6d-8d9d-452cb5d1f57a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charmaine L. Conner
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC
Verified Verified
Addison, TX 75001 (Online Only)
I believe all people, adults and children alike reach their maximized potential when provided with a safe, therapeutic environment. My approach to counseling is guided by person-centered counseling. I focus on providing a therapeutic environment for client to share concerns and facilitate growth. Most importantly I seek to develop a strong therapeutic relationship by providing genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. Overall, my goal is helping clients become aware of their ability to grow and heal.
I believe all people, adults and children alike reach their maximized potential when provided with a safe, therapeutic environment. My approach to counseling is guided by person-centered counseling. I focus on providing a therapeutic environment for client to share concerns and facilitate growth. Most importantly I seek to develop a strong therapeutic relationship by providing genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. Overall, my goal is helping clients become aware of their ability to grow and heal.
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![Photo of Andrea Marquez, LCSW, MSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8dd83c22-b0b7-42b9-b00a-266796bf9e78/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Marquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75208 (Online Only)
I work with adults of all backgrounds and seek to create a warm, open, and flexible space for each person I work with. I work with people who want to be more aware of their thought processes and to gain more understanding of their emotions and behaviors. Many want to feel more competent and capable in living their daily lives and managing life's challenges in a skillful and effective manner. A main focus of our work together will be on maximizing your experiences and pre-existing skills and wisdom so that you can partner with me (and your treatment team) in setting the stage for achieving your goals.
I work with adults of all backgrounds and seek to create a warm, open, and flexible space for each person I work with. I work with people who want to be more aware of their thought processes and to gain more understanding of their emotions and behaviors. Many want to feel more competent and capable in living their daily lives and managing life's challenges in a skillful and effective manner. A main focus of our work together will be on maximizing your experiences and pre-existing skills and wisdom so that you can partner with me (and your treatment team) in setting the stage for achieving your goals.
![Photo of Lulu Liao, E-RYT, Reiki, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fcd992f-d248-4015-b698-c5ce3d7f5543/1/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling stuck in life and disconnected from what is meaningful? Have moments in what seems like an infinite loop of obsessive ruminations in which you replay the same thoughts over and over? Or perhaps it’s a cycle of repetitive behavior(s), self-sabotage, and/or relationships that you can’t seem to break the pattern from? I believe that when we lose connection to our authentic selves (who we really are) , we face all kinds of issues including anxiety, depression, unfulfilling relationships, addictive behavioral patterns, obsessive thoughts, stress, despair, and hopelessness. No worries, it's never too late and I can help!
Feeling stuck in life and disconnected from what is meaningful? Have moments in what seems like an infinite loop of obsessive ruminations in which you replay the same thoughts over and over? Or perhaps it’s a cycle of repetitive behavior(s), self-sabotage, and/or relationships that you can’t seem to break the pattern from? I believe that when we lose connection to our authentic selves (who we really are) , we face all kinds of issues including anxiety, depression, unfulfilling relationships, addictive behavioral patterns, obsessive thoughts, stress, despair, and hopelessness. No worries, it's never too late and I can help!
![Photo of Sarah Gates, LCSW, CCTP, CIMHP , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da406fa4-6b53-4648-b3f0-b200d7de2930/1/320x400.jpeg)
Has your life journey become arduous and painful? When feeling desperate and alone, it is only natural to seek support. I am here to guide you in redefining your core beliefs, so that you may find inner peace, deepen self-worth and develop healthy relationships. I will help you root out the beliefs and perspectives you formed at a young age which may have kept you safe then, but have become unhelpful and maladaptive for your life today.
Has your life journey become arduous and painful? When feeling desperate and alone, it is only natural to seek support. I am here to guide you in redefining your core beliefs, so that you may find inner peace, deepen self-worth and develop healthy relationships. I will help you root out the beliefs and perspectives you formed at a young age which may have kept you safe then, but have become unhelpful and maladaptive for your life today.
![Photo of Jonathan Byrd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38c6f7a7-86fe-4c9e-80b4-5197cd12c260/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my friend. I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of clinical experience. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors with symptoms related to Addiction, Anger Management, Depression, Grief, Life Transitions, ADHD, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Men's Issues, Substance Use, Relationship Issues, and Stress. My client-centered approach uses a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Existential. I firmly believe that Life is a journey so let us make the most of it.
Hello, my friend. I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of clinical experience. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors with symptoms related to Addiction, Anger Management, Depression, Grief, Life Transitions, ADHD, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Men's Issues, Substance Use, Relationship Issues, and Stress. My client-centered approach uses a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Existential. I firmly believe that Life is a journey so let us make the most of it.
![Photo of Joy Liani Hallman, EdD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e883af8-ae4c-4b51-830c-10a75f7c5aed/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe self-forgiveness can unlock powerful opportunities to move forward. I offer a safe space free of judgement, and I empower others to create and become their best selves and am most noted for assisting with improving self-esteem and lessening anxiety while creating calm. Together, we can let go of things which no longer serve you, deconstruct negative stories, and begin again by identifying and reshaping your goals so that you can author your success story. I can assist you with adding more joy in your life and becoming your best self!
I believe self-forgiveness can unlock powerful opportunities to move forward. I offer a safe space free of judgement, and I empower others to create and become their best selves and am most noted for assisting with improving self-esteem and lessening anxiety while creating calm. Together, we can let go of things which no longer serve you, deconstruct negative stories, and begin again by identifying and reshaping your goals so that you can author your success story. I can assist you with adding more joy in your life and becoming your best self!
![Photo of Sara Black - Life Navigation Counseling, LPC-S, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14b0596c-a949-4ea5-991d-c610811cc5fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life Navigation Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75248
Trauma and stress have an emotional, psychological and physical impact. We see clients who are experiencing PTSD and other common co-occurring disorders including Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), chronic pain, illness, and addiction. All of these issues can be addressed using empirically proven techniques that address the whole person - body, mind and spirit. You and your therapist will work together to select from a number of specialties and treatment approaches.
Trauma and stress have an emotional, psychological and physical impact. We see clients who are experiencing PTSD and other common co-occurring disorders including Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), chronic pain, illness, and addiction. All of these issues can be addressed using empirically proven techniques that address the whole person - body, mind and spirit. You and your therapist will work together to select from a number of specialties and treatment approaches.
![Photo of Sarah Keramati, PhD, LPC, NCC, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2e1201-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Keramati
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CSAT
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients in discovering the goodness and tenderness that we all possess inside ourselves. I work from a mindfulness-based practice of "being with what is," while teaching clients how to utilize their body as an ally in their healing journey. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, teens and families. In person or via Skype or phone.
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients in discovering the goodness and tenderness that we all possess inside ourselves. I work from a mindfulness-based practice of "being with what is," while teaching clients how to utilize their body as an ally in their healing journey. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, teens and families. In person or via Skype or phone.
![Photo of Dr. Charla Lewis, PhD, LP, NCSP, DMT Int, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbb2d7f1-e615-4efd-b421-77f11fe6e7c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Charla Lewis
Psychologist, PhD, LP, NCSP, DMT Int
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75204 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You having more and more bad days...and it's getting harder to hold things together. Sometimes you have self-doubt, self-hate; other times you feel that no one understands what you're going through. At times, you take out your frustrations on others, feel stuck in life and you wonder if you'll EVER get over it (whatever the IT is). I understand and I'm here to help. You may know exactly what you want to change or you may need help in exploring the reasons why you feel this way. In any case, we can work together on a new vision, plan, and way of living for you!
You having more and more bad days...and it's getting harder to hold things together. Sometimes you have self-doubt, self-hate; other times you feel that no one understands what you're going through. At times, you take out your frustrations on others, feel stuck in life and you wonder if you'll EVER get over it (whatever the IT is). I understand and I'm here to help. You may know exactly what you want to change or you may need help in exploring the reasons why you feel this way. In any case, we can work together on a new vision, plan, and way of living for you!
![Photo of Romeo Jesus Ballayan, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4298ba21-a177-4616-8800-d0077c89a70c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Romeo Jesus Ballayan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75210 (Online Only)
In most cases, there is nothing more you need to know and nothing more that needs to be said. It’s just a matter of putting the potential that already resides within you into practice. Therapy is a practice, not a service. The main function of the therapy that will be provided to you is to get you to start thinking like a therapist. Helping you gain the skills, awareness, increased insight, and confidence in embodying being the master of your own pain and the individual who seeks or creates the solution that fosters your own healing.
In most cases, there is nothing more you need to know and nothing more that needs to be said. It’s just a matter of putting the potential that already resides within you into practice. Therapy is a practice, not a service. The main function of the therapy that will be provided to you is to get you to start thinking like a therapist. Helping you gain the skills, awareness, increased insight, and confidence in embodying being the master of your own pain and the individual who seeks or creates the solution that fosters your own healing.
See more therapy options for Dallas County
Dance Movement Therapy
What can I expect from dance/movement therapy?
During dance therapy, the therapist will guide the client through dance movements that metaphorically represent a particular challenge, reflect their internal emotional state, or otherwise express physically what is happening for the client mentally. The therapist may “mirror” the client’s movements or simply observe. The client may be encouraged, as they dance, to pay attention to their breath or other physical sensations. Afterward, the therapist and client will often debrief to help the client process the experience.
Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based?
A small body of research has found that dance therapy can help treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as nonclinical issues like low self-esteem or family conflict. However, some experts caution that the evidence in favor of dance therapy is not as robust as that of other, more established therapies, and some of the published research is of low quality. Many recommend that dance therapy be used as a complementary rather than stand-alone treatment.
Can dance therapy help with depression?
Some research suggests that dance/movement therapy can aid in the treatment of depression, especially when combined with other therapies; some studies, for example, report that dance therapy combined with antidepressants or talk therapy is more effective than those treatments alone. The positive effects of dance therapy may come from the movement itself, as it’s well-known that physical activity can improve mood and bolster motivation in those struggling with depression.
What are the limitations of dance therapy?
People with disabilities or other conditions that hinder movement may find it more challenging to participate in dance therapy, though a well-trained therapist will take a client’s physical limitations into account when designing a treatment plan. Experts also warn that certain conditions, particularly eating disorders, should never be treated with dance therapy alone; it may, however, be used as an adjunct therapy.