Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a traditional form of counseling or psychotherapy that uses movement as the primary medium for interaction, assessment, and intervention to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals. DMT represents an important development in counseling and psychotherapy because it was among the first theoretical approaches to integrate the philosophy of the body–mind relationship into treatment of psychological disorders.

Historical Context

DMT is rooted in the rich history of dance as a cultural activity used by most societies for thousands of years for celebration, healing, storytelling, mourning, and even preparation for war. In the 1960s, DMT was formalized as a profession, and the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) was formed. The ADTA continues to serve as a membership organization to further ...

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