Dance Therapy For Mental Health

Mental health is a complex and highly personal problem, and it is important to know that you are not alone. If you feel that you are struggling with mental health issues, it is essential to understand that professional help is within reach. Seeking guidance from a medical professional is a vital step towards healing and well-being. 

You may be reading this article because a healthcare provider has recommended you try dance therapy, or you have heard about it from someone you know, and you want to know more about it. It’s possible that you have never considered dance as a therapeutic tool before, perhaps you’ve never danced or think of yourself as having ‘two left feet’ and you may be sceptical about its effectiveness. 

Introduction – what is dance therapy? 

Dance therapy is a holistic approach to mental health and well-being, which means that it considers the body as a whole system, rather than as separate parts. It involves the use of movement to navigate and address emotions demonstrating effectiveness for individuals dealing with conditions such as anxiety and depression. This article aims to explore the principles, benefits, and applications of dance therapy in promoting mental health and well-being. 

The history of dance therapy 

Dance therapy stems from the belief that the body and mind are interconnected, and that movement could serve as a tool for managing emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. 

The concept of dance as a form of communication has ancient roots, dating back to early human civilisations where it was utilised in rituals associated with healing, birth, sickness, and fertility. This concept gained traction in the medical realm thanks to the pioneering works of Marian Chace, a dancer, choreographer, and performer.¹ Whilst operating a dance school, Chace observed that many dancers continued to dance despite lacking aspirations for a professional career. Intrigued by this, she discovered that dancers often reported heightened feelings of well-being which they attributed to dance, promoting interest from the medical community. In 1966, Chace went on to become one of the founding members of the American Dance Therapy Association and the first president.²

Dance therapy is recognised as a form of psychotherapy. In the UK, for example, these professionals are required to gain a postgraduate master’s degree (MA) in dance movement psychotherapy recognised by the Association for Dance Movement.^3,4 Through their training, they acquire skills to help clients develop coping strategies, aimed at enhancing mental wellbeing. This may involve addressing challenging behaviours, compulsions, thoughts, or emotions as well as developing better interpersonal relationships and social skills. 

Understanding the therapeutic process 

Movement can be thought of as our first language before we develop verbal communication as infants. This primal mode of expression can serve as a powerful tool for processing complex emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally. Dance therapists can understand and use non-verbal communication to decipher emotions that the client finds difficult to verbalise. Through careful observation of your movement patterns, dance therapists try and understand your emotional state and utilise movement as a therapeutic tool to facilitate the development of healthy coping mechanisms. 

During a dance therapy session, you may engage in structured activities such as contemporary dance or ballet, however, most dance therapists work with a significant element of structured improvisation. The end of the session may involve verbal reflection, allowing space for you to share any thoughts or insights that emerged during the process. Sessions may be conducted in a group, or one on one, depending on what works best for you. 

The main goals of dance therapy in promoting better mental health may include improved emotional regulation, stress reduction, self-expression, body awareness, social connection, and improved self-esteem. Engaging in movement during sessions could trigger the release of endorphins, contributing to a sense of well-being beyond the potential benefits of the therapy.⁵ The increase in movement alone may help your mental health. For many individuals, dance serves as a platform for self-expression and the cultivation of good, solid, coping mechanisms. 

Moreover, the structured framework provided by dance therapy can offer a constructive outlet for processing difficult emotions and feelings and may help you to develop tools that you can implement into your daily life. These sessions should feel like a safe environment in which you can trust those around you to see and respect your vulnerability. Through the expansion of skills in communication and deepening emotional awareness that you may find yourself developing, the techniques and skills acquired could extend beyond the dance studio, influencing other aspects of your life. 

It is important to know that you don’t have to have previous dance experience or feel that you are a good dancer to experience the potential benefits of dance therapy. The focus of the therapy lies in movement in any form that feels comfortable for you. 

Applications of dance therapy 

Dance therapy services are accessible through various avenues including hospitals, mental health clinics and through your healthcare provider. Additional information can be found on reliable sites such as the website of ‘The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK’.² Furthermore, these services may be available within your local community such as in schools and community centres. 

Dance therapy has been suggested to have a benefit for mental health disorders such as: 

• Anxiety⁶ 
• Depression⁷
• Eating disorders⁸
• Post-traumatic stress⁹ 

Target populations of dance therapy can include everyone from children, adults, and the elderly, however, a full understanding of how well each treatment group respond to dance therapy has not been fully understood. 

Many studies that investigate the impacts of dance therapy suggest that the potential therapeutic benefit of dance therapy is better when this is integrated with other forms of care, such as medication and talking therapy.⁵ 

Challenges and considerations 

Studies on dance therapy seem to suggest that it can have significant benefits for mental health.⁵ Despite this, the field is still evolving and there are many areas to explore to fully understand its benefits. It is also important to remember that dance therapy is not designed to be a ‘cure’ for your mental health conditions. Instead, it is designed to provide you with a better understanding of your emotions and feelings and provide you with coping mechanisms. The benefits of dance therapy rely on you implementing the tools you gain and develop into your daily life which is not always easy when you are struggling with the difficulties that come with mental health conditions such as low motivation. If you are finding this aspect difficult, discuss this with a trusted healthcare professional and they will provide you with further guidance and support. 

Individual responses to dance therapy vary, with some people experiencing significant improvements in mental health whilst others may find it less effective. It is crucial to understand that if you find no benefit of dance therapy, it is not because you are at fault, it may indicate that this approach does not suit your needs. 

In such cases, it is important to communicate this with your therapist or another trusted health professional. They can offer you guidance and help you explore alternative techniques that may better align with your goals. All therapists should be there for your best interests, and they will understand if a technique is not for you. Your journey towards mental health and wellness is unique and may involve exploring different styles of therapy to find the one that helps you to come the most effectively. 

There are also a range of ethical considerations that should be upheld during your therapy: 

• You should feel that you are fully informed about the risks and benefits of dance therapy when deciding whether you want to have it – if you don’t understand something, ask
• Your boundaries should always be respected, and you should feel that you can communicate if they are not. This ensures that your needs and comfort levels are prioritised
• Your physical limitations should be acknowledged and respected – your safety and well-being should be a top priority

When choosing a dance therapist, it is important that they are fully qualified and can provide you with evidence of previous work. It is also vital that they are well-informed about any updates in the field to maintain the highest standards of practice.

Like any therapeutic relationship, finding the right fit with a dance therapist may take time. It is important to develop a good relationship with your therapist, so you feel safe, understood, and able to express how you are feeling. Do not feel disheartened if you don’t feel your therapist is a good match, this can be discussed with a relevant professional who can help you find a better-suited therapist to address your emotional needs. 

Summary - will dance therapy work for me? 

If you have been recommended to try dance therapy to address your mental health struggles, it may be worth exploring. Before undertaking the practice, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that you are physically capable and fully understand what to expect from this style of therapy.

It is likely that to feel the real benefit of dance therapy, it will be implemented into your current treatment rather than replacing it. This is because its benefit is not fully understood, and it is likely to have more benefit in complementing your current care.⁵ Make an effort to engage with the techniques and classes offered in dance therapy to maximise the potential benefits of your experience. 

To conclude, dance therapy may be an interesting holistic approach to your mental health and could have a significant beneficial impact on your well-being.