Motion and Emotion: The Dance/Movement Therapy Experience

Nursing Homes, Nov, 2000 by Sandra Hoban

The primary technique used in Maplewood's DMT program is the Marian Chace style of dance movement therapy, using mirroring or reflection and amplification. The reflection technique has the resident and therapist moving together, "mirroring" each other's movements. In amplification, the therapist encourages the resident to make his/her movements larger or fuller.

Each year, Maplewood puts on a staff talent show for residents and their families. One of the highlights of this year's show was a performance by one of the DMT groups using ribbonsticks (streamers attached to short sticks) to aid in their interpretation of the music. The applause and congratulations from the appreciative audience boosted the confidence and self-esteem of these resident performers, who thrived on showcasing their DMT achievements.

Dance/movement therapy's positive effects brighten the emotional outlook of its participants--and for a reasonable financial investment. Dr. Hervey explains that the first and largest expense is lining up a dance/movement therapist to supervise the program. The easiest way is to engage a DMT therapist as a consultant for a predetermined number of hours (see below for possible resources). After that, the only other expense is in purchasing audio equipment (if necessary) and any props that will be used. At Maplewood, the supervisor is paid for through the facility's activities budget and, according to Beeler, only $200 to 300 was spent for props and audio equipment. "Because we are a nonprofit, county facility, we have excellent funding, which enables us to introduce innovative programs, such as dance/movement therapy, to our overall concept of care," said Beeler.

At Maplewood they are trying to break the usual nursing home mold by offering more than physical therapy, standard activities and bingo. One of the answers, for Maplewood, is dance/movement therapy.

DMT Certification

Professional training takes place at the master's graduate level and includes studies on topics such as DMT theory and practice, psychopathology, psychotherapeutic theory and a supervised internship that leads to recognition or registration as a Dance Therapist, Registered (DTR). The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) have recognized dance therapy as a specialty of counseling and have designated the Academy of Dance Therapists, Registered (ADTR) credential for dance/movement therapy signifying readiness to teach, supervise and work in private practice.