Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses the body, movement, and dance to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. It is based on the understanding that the mind and body are deeply connected, and that movement can be a powerful way to express, explore, and heal emotional experiences.
Dance Movement Therapy came around the 1970s to the 1980s and began gaining recognition as a legitimate form of psychotherapy that integrates physical expression with emotional healing. DMT is facilitated by trained professionals known as dance/movement therapists, who are educated in both psychology and the creative use of movement. This therapy is not about performance or technique—it’s about using natural movement as a way to communicate, release tension, and support personal growth.
How dance/movement therapy works
Dance/movement therapy helps individuals express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Through guided movement, clients explore sensations, postures, gestures, and rhythms that arise from their inner experience. A session may include:
- Freestyle or structured movement
- Body awareness and breathing exercises
- Movement improvisation or mirroring
- Use of props like scarves or balls
- Relaxation through stretching or grounding exercises
- Verbal reflection after movement to increase awareness
Sessions can be done one-on-one or in groups, and are adapted to fit each person’s needs and abilities.
Key principles of DMT
DMT is built on several core ideas:
The body holds emotional experience: Emotions are not just mental—they’re also physical, often stored in muscle tension, posture, or movement patterns.
Movement reflects inner life: How a person moves can reveal unspoken feelings, thoughts, or memories.
Movement can create change: New movement patterns can support new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.
The therapeutic relationship matters: Trust and safety with the therapist allow the client to explore and express freely.
Benefits of dance/movement therapy
Dance/movement therapy can be especially powerful for people who feel disconnected from their emotions, struggle to express themselves verbally, or want to integrate body and mind more fully. Research and clinical experience (see references) show that DMT can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and emotional regulation
- Enhance body awareness and self-esteem
- Support trauma recovery by gently releasing held tension
- Strengthen communication and connection in group or family therapy
- Improve motor coordination and physical health in various populations
Because it works through nonverbal channels, DMT often reaches emotions and memories that traditional talk therapy may not access.
Who benefits from dance/movement therapy?
DMT is used with people of all ages and backgrounds, including:
- Children with developmental delays or emotional challenges
- Adults with anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Survivors of abuse or PTSD
- Older adults with memory loss or physical limitations
- People in recovery from eating disorders or body image issues
- Individuals seeking personal growth, creativity, or mind-body integration
It is especially helpful for those who prefer a body-centered or creative approach to healing.
The role of the dance/movement therapist
A dance/movement therapist is trained to observe body language, movement style, posture, and nonverbal cues. They guide clients through movement experiences while creating a safe, supportive space for emotional expression. Therapists may mirror a client’s movement to create connection, suggest new movement to open blocked energy, or simply allow the client’s natural expression to unfold.
No dance experience needed
One of the most important things to know is that no dance background or skill is required. Dance/movement therapy is about using your own natural movements—no choreography, judgment, or pressure to perform. The goal is expression, not perfection.
Conclusion
Dance/movement therapy offers a powerful and healing way to connect with the body, process emotions, and find new pathways to well-being. By tapping into the wisdom of movement and the power of the body-mind connection, DMT helps people release what they’ve held inside and move—literally and emotionally—toward growth, balance, and freedom. Whether someone is dealing with trauma, stress, or simply wants to feel more alive, DMT provides a dynamic and deeply human path to healing.
References
Karkou, V., Aithal, S., Zubala, A., & Meekums, B. (2019). Effectiveness of dance movement therapy in the treatment of adults with depression: A systematic review with meta-analyses. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 936. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00936
Koch, S. C., Riege, R. F. F., Tisborn, K., Biondo, J., Martin, L., & Beelmann, A. (2019). Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis update. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1806. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01806
Schaeffer, S. A., O’Malley, M., Gross, J., & McNeill, M. (2023). The use of dance/movement therapy in trauma treatment: A qualitative meta-synthesis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 81, 102015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2023.102015
Ho, R. T. H. (2015). A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of dance movement therapy and dance in improving health-related psychological outcomes. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(1), 46–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2014.10.002
Drexel University Center for Arts-Based Research. (2022). Dance/movement therapy improves empathy and peer relationships in diverse middle school students. Retrieved from https://drexel.edu/now/archive/2022/March/Dance-Movement-Therapy-Middle-School-Study/