Dance therapy is a completely unique phenomenon. What is it like? This is the direction of psychotherapy in which movement and dance contribute to both the physical and emotional integration of the individual. This method has a rich history. Anyway, it represents a certain interest. So I would like to pay special attention to this topic.
About the premises
All people, at least a little familiar with folklore, history and art, are well aware that for centuries, dance has been an integral part of various rituals, community life and other practices. It is more than just going to the music. The dance carried sacred, communicative, identification, expressive and recreational functions. He helped to freely express himself, to communicate with partners, to discharge emotionally and to relieve physical stress. In fact, the dance carries all these functions today.
The healing properties of dance in the XX century prompted specialists in the field of psychotherapy to use them as a new method of treatment. In addition,
modernity appeared at that time
. The dance of this genre has become very special. After all, it was in it that the individuality of each person and the importance of the personal were emphasized. The first dance therapists were people like
Isadora Duncan, Mary Wigman and Rudolf Laban.
And, of course, when speaking about the premises, one cannot but note the attention of the teachings of V. Reich. This specialist assured that all emotions and emotions not expressed by a person do not disappear anywhere. They accumulate in the muscles. And there are a kind of "blocks". In general, dance-motor therapy, the exercises of which will be noted with attention a little later, refers to the teachings of Reich. More precisely, to how the specialist explains the work of psychosomatic mechanisms. But its methods are not used as such.
In Russia
In our country, this direction appeared not very long ago - in the 90s. And initially such a concept as dance therapy was not even indicated. The theory says: in Russia, it was initially presented as a method of personal growth and development. But in 1995, the concept has already appeared. And after him - ATDT (Association of dance-motor therapy). It was organized in Moscow. And ATDT is supported by the American, European and International Associations.
Now TDT is an independent direction in psychotherapy. And the scope of its application is very wide. Dance therapy aims to combat stress, Parkinson's disease, autism, post-traumatic disorders, etc.
About the principles
Like any other therapeutic technique, this type of therapy is based on certain provisions and rules. They are followed by doctors working in this direction. The essence of the main principle is that the human body and its psyche are inseparable. And they constantly interact with each other. Also, dance is perceived as a way of communication. And the person involved in TDT comes into contact with himself, his partner and the whole world.
Another important principle is the unity of thoughts, feelings and behavior. Because any change in one aspect entails changes in the other two. In this, by the way, the principle of integrity is manifested. Also, the “highlight” is the perception of one’s body as a process rather than an object or object. The very realization of this is reflected in the result, presenting the desired effect. And another important principle - during the practice of dance therapy, the specialist turns to the creative resources of a person as an endless source of creative energy and vitality.
Goals
Dance therapy for children and adults aims to achieve the same result. The main goal is to expand the scope of awareness of your body, as well as its capabilities and features. It is important that a person is able to develop confidence in himself and improve his self-esteem. For this, doctors are engaged in the development of the patient’s body, instill in him love for this matter.
Another goal is to improve social skills and integrate internal experience. It is important that a person during treatment establishes a special connection between movements, thoughts and feelings.
Methods
It is worth noting that there are different groups of dance therapy. The main one is clinical. This is an auxiliary type of therapy, forming a symbiosis effective in terms of treatment with medications prescribed to patients. Clinical TDT can last a long time - sometimes for several years. But efficiency requires it. By the way, it helps especially well for patients with impaired speech and interpersonal communications (that is, in communication). By the way, clinical TDT appeared more than 75 years ago.
TDT is also widely used in people with psychological problems. And this type of therapy is much more complex than previously mentioned. Since it is aimed at solving specific problems of a person. And such TDT is carried out both in a group with other patients, and individually. The method is usually based on analytical psychology.
And there is dance therapy for those people who have no problems, but they want something more from their lives. For example, using TDT to find out your hidden self, find a new way to express yourself and start interacting with others.
Innovation
As already mentioned at the beginning, TDT gained popularity not so long ago. Which is not surprising, because it is an innovation. In the course of classes with patients, the doctor uses skills that relate to psychology, creativity, art, physiology and therapy. It is important. Indeed, almost every disease is psychosomatic. And until the moment when the ailment begins to manifest itself on a physical level, it appears in the subconscious. That is, at the level of the psyche.
TDT is special in that during its implementation, great attention is paid not only to thought processes and cognitive methods of rehabilitation, but also to the physical and creative parts. That is, simply put, both hemispheres are involved. And this is what a harmonious and holistic person needs. And be that as it may, the most unexplored aspect of our world today is precisely man. Namely, how his body interacts with the psyche.
Benefit
Dance therapy, whose history is very interesting, is really effective. It is the best possible way to minimize physical stress and increases human mobility. If you believe the notorious Reich theory, it turns out that the same muscle “clamp” is eliminated. After all, a person begins to move, express their feelings and emotions during the dance. And the accumulated energy that was spent on maintaining muscle “clamp” finds its application.
The value of artistic experience is very great. In dance, they even draw from the unconscious needs and drives that the patient could not even guess about. In other words, he just gets rid of them.
In addition, TDT is a great way for non-verbal interaction. For this reason, group classes have recently gained popularity. A person begins to contact not only with the healer, but also with other participants. And this is an additional stress relief and a more relaxed atmosphere. Group exercises significantly improve the emotional and physical condition of patients. And if they are also teenagers, then TDT helps them increase their self-esteem and develop a more positive image of their own body. Contacting other members of the group, young people can awaken new, previously unknown feelings in themselves.
Movements
So, we considered the methods of dance therapy as detailed as possible. Now you can touch attention and exercises. There are no restrictions and generally accepted standards. After all, one of the goals, as mentioned earlier, is to demonstrate freedom and creativity. Most importantly, the movements performed by the patient should be aimed at realizing their own feelings at a given, specific moment. His task is to express his feelings with a dance. And the therapist, watching him, must understand what the patient is trying to convey. This is where psychoanalysis comes into play. It is the doctor’s task to analyze the patient’s behavior as accurately as possible, which will help to understand his problem.
Then the healer, together with the person, begins to expand the limited potential of movements. So it is possible to liberate the patient, direct him to overcome complexes and psychological problems. This is what dance therapy is aimed at.
Exercise is what the patient should concentrate on during class. When a person “reaches out”, it is important for him to feel what exactly he is feeling at the moment. And the doctor, in turn, should help him come to an awareness of his physical sensations. At the last stage, the patient usually feels that his soul is one with the body, and conveys this with his dance.
What else is worth knowing?
There are no barriers to TDT. No age limits or limitations on the diagnosis. Now there are centers working with adults and children that accept anyone who wants to, help to cope with personal problems, anxieties, fears, a personal crisis, a misunderstanding of yourself and a loss of the meaning of life. There is also a marital TDT.
For children, special programs have been developed that can correct disharmonious development (which includes autism, developmental delay, minimal brain dysfunction). For adults, there is a program that helps cope with obsessive overeating, anorexia and bulimia. With the help of TDT, you can even establish parent-child relationships.
And people who decided to do TDT (or they had to do it) assure that there is an effect. The whole theory described is confirmed in practice. And therapy allows not only to replenish strength, but also to know oneself, to feel one's light, uniqueness and value for this world, which is confirmed by many reviews.
Training
As it was already possible to understand, the activity of a person who owns such art as dance therapy is very complex and multifaceted. The training of specialists in this profile also takes place in several stages. The program itself was created in 1995. This is the only technique that meets the requirements of the European TDT Association. And the program is implemented by such a university as the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis. IPPiP is located in Moscow.
All students in this area have to master many disciplines. Comprehensive and serious preparation. Leading specialists from not only Russia, but also from the USA and Europe are involved in teaching.
During the training, future therapists pass theoretical seminars on TDT and psychological counseling. The program also includes supervision. Students also have to undergo personal psychotherapy and clinical practice.
Educational nuances
It is important to note that this is not a 4-year course, but professional retraining, at the end of which students will receive an appropriate diploma. This document gives specialists the right to conduct professional activities in the field of psychotherapy and, of course, TDT.
For admission, it is necessary to draw up a questionnaire and write a substantial essay (a kind of creative competition). Also, each prospective student is required to take an introductory course on TDT. This is necessary to identify a person's abilities for this activity. The program includes 10 hours of the basics of creative dance and 50 - group TDT “Basic life topics”. After completing the course, a person goes through an interview and is accepted for training.
By the way, today there is still a regional training program, which can be completed at the center of healing art and creativity in Ufa, which cooperates with the previously mentioned university (IPPiP).