Dance/Movement Therapy

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a unique, body-centered approach that harnesses the power of movement to foster emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. It views the body and mind as deeply interconnected—believing that movement reflects one’s inner emotional states and that intentional, expressive movement can be a gateway to healing. According to the American Dance Therapy Association, DMT is defined as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being.”
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In a DMT session, the therapist and client engage in guided movement—this could be anything from free-form expression to structured dance routines. The movements aren’t evaluated for grace or skill; instead, they’re explored for meaning, emotion, and psychological insight. Through movement, clients can communicate feelings that may be difficult to express in words—making DMT especially helpful for those who feel disconnected from their emotional experiences, or who have difficulty with traditional talk therapy.

Therapeutically, DMT incorporates various movement styles and activities: classical, modern, folk, or ballroom dancing; structured movement exercises set to music; or spontaneous body-based expressions. These techniques are used to encourage body awareness, support self-expression, improve social interaction, and facilitate psychological insight.

You can explore more definitions and context via the American Psychological Association’s dictionary entries on Dance Therapy and Movement Therapy.

Dance/Movement Therapy can be effective for a wide range of populations and conditions. It’s used with individuals facing stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression—as well as in group settings to support those with developmental delays, neurodiverse conditions, or chronic illness. The emphasis is not just on what’s being expressed, but on what’s being felt and experienced—with the body becoming both the storyteller and the healer.

Ultimately, DMT celebrates the wisdom of the body. In a world where so much focus is placed on verbal communication and cognitive reasoning, DMT offers a different path: one where healing emerges through rhythm, breath, gesture, and the innate human need to move and connect.