Dance Movement Therapy

Dance movement therapy is the use of expressive movement and dance as a means for developing relationships and communication, reflection and emotional growth. Dance movement therapists are trained to understand meaning in movement. It is with this understanding that dance therapist try to engage with their clients, using theri own bodies, movements, sounds and words. Empathy occurs not only through words, but also through supportive movement, fostering trust and therapeutic relationship.

Verbal communication can be difficult for people with autism but dance movement therapy transcends the need for speech. A client’s non verbal communications-gestures, repetitive movements and body boundaries – are explored and examined in an accepting environment to encourage other patterns of relating.