By?Erica Hornthal, MA, LCPC, BC-DMT, Chicago Dance Therapy
Chicago Dance Therapy is the premier dance/movement therapy practice serving Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Offering psychotherapy with a body-centered approach focused on connecting mind, body, and spirit.
Mind
In dance/movement therapy, movement is the therapeutic tool used to process feelings and emotions. The client is encouraged to experience, observe, and process behaviors and thoughts through body sensations, non-verbal communication, and body language. We use the body to recharge, refocus, and even re-pattern the mind.
Body
We use the body to assess, observe, and intervene in the therapeutic relationship. When words alone may not be expressing what someone is experiencing, dance/movement therapy can help to validate and support each individual.
Spirit
This holistic alternative to traditional talk therapy is a wonderful way to treat mind, body, and spirit. Using movement we can connect to our subconscious, enhance our awareness, and learn to be more present.
According to the American Dance Therapy Association, dance/movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual. Benefits of dance/movement therapy include:
- Facilitate self-awareness
- Enhance self-esteem
- Reduce anxiety
- Encourage reminiscing
- Maintain and/or increases mobility
- Enhance body-mind connectivity
- Focus on non-verbal communication
- Enhance emotional and physical well being
Click here for full podcast playlist.
