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Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)
Dance movement therapy strengthens the body/mind connection through body movements to improve both the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration, compose the foundation of DMT. The ultimate purpose of DMT is to find a healthy balance and sense of wholeness. DMT is considered a form of psychotherapy and can be found in a variety of places, such as hospitals and schools. Other common names for DMT include: movement psychotherapy and dance therapy. The more creative and interpretive side of DMT overlaps with “therapeutic dance”.

History
Published in 1992, “Dance Movement Therapy; Theory and Practice” was the first book to be published on DMT. Dance therapy has a very strong British background. Although there were significant American influences, the main theories of dance therapy originated in England. There are records of movement therapy dating as far back as the nineteenth century in the UK. Although classified completely separate from psychotherapy, DMT experienced its first wave in the 1940’s. In 1942, through the work of Marian Chace, dance was first introduced to western medical therapy. It wasn’t until the 1970’s and 80’s that the dance therapy movement sparked much interest from American therapists. It was from this second wave that today’s DMT evolved.

Principles
The theory of DMT is based upon the idea that “the body and mind are inseparable”. The foundation of DMT exists upon several basic principles: •	body movement is an expression of inner emotional states and personalities •	a change in movement will cause a change in the psyche •	movement is representative of the unconscious mind •	movement improvisation allows experimentation of other ways of being •	a level of the therapeutic relationship is communicated non-verbally, through mirroring others’ movements [4]

As body movements reflect changes within behavior and the mind, DMT promotes health and growth. Through the unity of the body, mind, and spirit, DMT provides a sense of wholeness to all individuals.

Organizations
American Dance Therapy Association The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) was founded in 1966 in order to uphold high standards throughout dance therapy. Along with setting the standards for which students must attain to become licensed therapists, ADTA keeps an updated registry of all movement/dance therapists who have met ADTA’s standards. In addition, ADTA also publishes the American Journal of Dance Therapy and sponsors annual professional conferences.

Association for Dance Movement Therapy, United Kingdom The Association for Dance Movement Therapy, United Kingdom (ADMTUK) was one of the first organizations established to regulate the field of dance therapy. ADMTUK accredits therapists and oversees that all regulations are followed.

Therapist Qualifications ADTA is the main regulator of the required education and training in order to become a dance/movement therapist. .

Specialized Treatments
Mentally Retarded Psychiatric Hospital Special Child Physically Handicapped Elderly

Dementia PTSD Disorder Parkinson’s Disease Holistic Birth Preparation

Phases
Preparation Incubation Illumination Evaluation