Frequently Asked Questions

The Indian Association of Dance Movement Therapy (IADMT) defines DMT as a psychotherapeutic method that uses movement and creative expression to further socio-emotional, cognitive and somatic integration. This approach is based on the principle that the body and mind are integrated. It helps in self-expression to bring about a change in the total functioning of an individual. DMT is for individuals of all ages, gender, races, and ethnic backgrounds in individual, couples, family and group therapy formats.

As an individual’s movement is seen as a form of communication, trained Dance Movement Therapists utilise this art form to help individuals or the group find a way to express their emotions and their experiences which helps in their own internal processes.

Dance Movement Therapy also provides a holistic and creative approach to healing and wellness. It asserts that the body and mind are interconnected wherein, changes of the body reflect changes in the mind and vice versa. DMT is primarily a sensory and kinaesthetic experience and recognises that all movements are unique. It is based on the presumption that:

• Movement is universal and the first form of communication

• Movements can be of various types, that is, functional, developmental, expressive and communicative

• Movement may be used as an assessment tool and/or as a primary mode of intervention

• All movements have meaning, reflect the personality of the mover and the creative process embodied in the use of free association in movement is inherently therapeutic

Depending on the level of training, DMT professionals can work with different types of client groups and offer mental health support at different degrees. Generally speaking, the role of a DMT professional is to:

• To develop a safe and trusting relationship with the client

• To support and encourage the client’s movements by either mirroring, suggesting or empathetically observing and acknowledging movements

• To give space and allow free-association of movement

• To allow and encourage various emotions that emerge during the process

• To use the psychological/psychotherapeutic framework in conjunction with movement analysis and observation tools to understand how the client relates to themselves and others in the environment

• To design and implement programmes for diverse client groups

In a therapeutic setting, DMT can be beneficial for individuals who are:

• Experiencing difficulties or concerns with emotional problems, conflict or distress

• Who may find some feelings or experiences too overwhelming, or difficult to be communicated with words alone, or for those who may avoid feelings

• Whose problems are bound up in the body in form of body tension, or impaired movements or anxieties about proximity, physical contact or trust

• Whose impairment or trauma may hinder the capacity for them or others to acknowledge and understand the personal strengths and weaknesses

There are a number of individual benefits that can be experienced through the use of Dance Movement Therapy. The most common benefits seen across various groups of people are:

• Increasing self-awareness, self-esteem and personal autonomy

• Experiencing links between thought, feelings and actions

• Expressing and managing overwhelming feelings and thoughts that interrupt learning

• Maximising opportunity of communication through movement, play or other resources that the client chooses to use

• Testing inner feeling with outer reality by using the safety of the therapeutic relationship

• Taking risks by initiating physical, emotional and cognitive shifts to enhance social interaction and emotional regulation

Dance Movement Therapy can be integrated with a variety of other mental health and health care settings. Here are some examples of spaces where you can find a DMT professional practicing:

• Mental health/Psychiatric settings

• Special needs schools

• Educational institutitions

• Rehabilitation centres

• Hospital settings

• Educational settings such as schools, colleges, universities

• Forensic settings

• Nursing homes

• Pediatrics, children, and youth psychiatry and psychotherapy clinics

• Neurological rehabilitation facilities

• Pain management treatment

• Oncology departments

• Private practices

Dance Movement Therapy is based on the principle that the mind and body are one. It has been found that by creating a shift in one, the individual experiences a shift and growth in the other. It encourages the expression of the participants already existing physical and emotional states and works to provide clarity and integration of experiences and parts of the self.

DMT works by:

• Creating a safe space and therapeutic relationship for a client

• Determining the need and goals of the client

• Developing a therapeutic relationship

• Using suitable, person centred approaches and techniques to reach identified needs and goals

The nature of a dance class is instructive whereas the nature of a DMT session is expressive and exploratory. The therapist does not teach the client any steps or forms of dance, but rather observes and utilizes their existing movement preferences to further personal growth and change. The distinguishing factor is the goal which in DMT can be social, emotional, cognitive and psycho-motor.

DMT has various benefits depending on the individual’s challenges and needs. Some commonly experienced benefits are:

• Mindfulness

• Self-awareness

• Stress reduction

• Improved mood

• Pain management

• Self-confidence

• Self-acceptance

• Learning to express and regulate feelings

• Integration of the body, mind & spirit

• Developing healthy relationship skills

DMT is an inclusive practice, and is suited to people at different life stages and with a range of physical/mental abilities and needs. It can be done as individual sessions or group sessions. Populations who can benefit from DMT include

• Neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals

• Individuals with special needs

• Individuals with emotional challenges

• Individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, grief, and loss

• Individuals experiencing chronic stress, hyper tension

• Individuals suffering from mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression to name a few

• Older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s

• Individuals suffering from Cancer

• Individuals exploring sexuality and sexual identity

• Couples

• Families

There are various levels of education you can opt in for in India and abroad, to be recognized as a Dance Movement Therapist, a Dance Movement Therapy Practitioner, or a Dance Movement Therapy Facilitator. You can find more information about these categories here. You can find more information about the courses available in India and abroad by writing to us.