Dance / movement therapy (DMT), sometimes called "movement psychotherapy," is the therapeutic use of movement and/or dance to better integrate the intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of the body for improved health and well-being. This therapeutic practice dates back to the 1940s and is grounded in the idea that changes in the body are closely tied to changes in the mind. DMT includes everything from yoga, to traditional dance, to simple stretching. It is often used to help support eating disorder recovery, improve body image, self-esteem, and develop communication skills. DMT is not just dancing, or just another form of exercise. A therapist specializing in DMT will be trained to read your movements, body language, and other nonverbal cues to address your specific needs. Think this approach might work for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s DMT specialists today.
You don't need to be a dancer to benefit from movement as a way to connect with your body’s wisdom, get in touch with your creativity, and support emotional healing. This is especially true for areas that don't improve with talk therapy alone.
— Rebecca Gotterer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montclair, NJI am an expert in dance movement therapy, a specialized form of therapy that uses movement and body awareness to promote emotional, physical, and cognitive healing. With a background in both psychology and the arts, I integrate the expressive power of movement with traditional therapeutic techniques to help clients process emotions, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. Dance movement therapy allows individuals to connect with their bodies in a nonverbal way.
— Frankie Wanger, Counselor in York, SCI integrate Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a pathway to self-discovery and emotional well-being. My approach merges cultural understanding, embodied healing, and evidence-based practices to help clients move beyond adversity and step into their full potential. Whether through therapy, coaching, or education, I am committed to guiding individuals toward thriving, not just surviving.
— Dr. Vanetta Williams, Therapist in Douglasville, GAI received my degree in Dance/Movement Therapy. While the name can be a bit intimidating to some, I employ movement interventions in a client-focused manner and only when people want to use them. This can vary from identifying what emotions feel like in your body all the way up to doing things like punching pillows to process anger.
— Elise Alvarez, Licensed Professional CounselorDMT is the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual, based on the empirically supported premise that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected. Movement is used as a catalyst, and a means into the person's inner feelings and a way to express, cope, interact with others, and integrate their experiences. Is it fancy? No! Movement&dance can be anything from breathing, posture, communicating, the way we hold ourselves.
— Kim Stevens, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAThis is a creative and somatic method that invites in body awareness as well as expressive movement. Movement signifies vitality, change, adaptability, and is the opposite of stuckness and stagnation. When we mindfully allow thoughts and emotions to move, we can ride the waves of life with grace.
— Lauren Pass Erickson, Psychotherapist in Boulder, COI have attended a one month immersive yoga therapy training at the Ghosh Yoga College in Calcutta, West Bengal India in 2017. I provide individualized yoga therapy prescriptions (breathwork, postures, and meditation) based on clients’ mental and physical needs.
— Courtney Dunn, Counselor in Houston, TXI offer yoga therapy services. I have a Certificate of Yoga Therapeutics from the Ghosh Yoga College of India (2017), Truman informed yoga training, 500 hr teacher training from PURE Yoga Institute (2019) and Yin Yoga Training (2020). I can offer you the assistance in yoga that is best suited for individual needs. Experience teaching yoga in recovery centers and behavioral hospitals in both Austin and Houston.
— Courtney Dunn, Counselor in Houston, TXDance/movement therapists focus on helping their clients improve self-esteem and body image, develop effective communication skills and relationships, expand their movement vocabulary, gain insight into patterns of behavior, as well as create new options for coping with problems. I hold a Masters of Science in Dance/Movement Therapy and am currently the only provider of DMT in Charleston, SC.
— Meredith Yuhas Gawai, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Mt. Pleasant, SCRegistered Dance/Movement Therapist (applied)
— Sara Earl, Mental Health Counselor in Philadelphia, PAAs a yoga instructor, I have seen and experienced the power of breath, movement, and stretching to increase the connection between your mind and body. Currently, I run a group teaching self-regulation yoga to survivors of sexual assault. I am passionate about yogic philosophy and developing a relationship that allows you listen to your body. By implementing grounding exercises and guided meditations, I provide space for you to be present and learn to be comfortable with discomfort.
— Kerry Murphy, Student Therapist in Denver, CODance/movement therapy is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as, "the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body. As a modality of the creative arts therapies, DMT looks at the correlation between movement and emotion." I hold a master's degree from an ADTA approved program at Drexel University.
— Caroline Kinsley, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, ORThe American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) defines dance/movement therapy as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical integration of the individual. Dance/movement therapists focus on helping their clients improve self-esteem and body image, develop effective communication skills and relationships, expand their movement vocabulary, gain insight into patterns of behavior, as well as create new options for coping with problems.
— Cathryn Wilson, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Carlsbad, CAIn my dance/movement therapy work, I use body awareness and movement to help my clients get out of their heads and into their bodies as a whole, furthering the body/mind connection. Movement is our first language and it can express what may be too difficult to express with words alone. Overall, I am passionate about helping my clients expand their movement life (whatever way that may be) as a way of self expression, healing, and empowerment.
— Brandi Reinhard-Ferrese, Counselor in Bozeman, MTDance/movement therapy offers a space for people to listen to their bodies and let them express what's been held inside. In dance/movement therapy, the definition of dance is very broad, from stillness and breath, to gestures and facial expressions, and to improvised and choreographed movement. No previous dance experience is necessary. All you need to do is to stay curious of your internal experience. Any body movement and expression will be welcome and appreciated.
— Junko Araki, Licensed Professional Counselor in Silver Spring, MDI am also a competitive dance instructor, which is why I love to incorporate movement into therapy when possible. I believe that movement can be very healing!
— Christina Jolokai (Perspectives Therapy Services), Marriage & Family Therapist in Brighton, MII am a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, holding the highest certification in the field. With over 10 years of experience in private practice, inpatient hospitals, and outpatient treatment centers, I have a wide range of skills to help you move through the painful experiences in your life.
— Jennifer Giuglianotti, Therapist in Wurtsboro, NY