Keywords
psychodynamic, dance movement therapy, self-psychology, affect, intersubjective
Page #: 40
Dance-movement therapy (DMT) focuses on the power of expressive movement. Nonetheless, many dance- movement therapists have found through personal, clinical and supervisory experience that movement must be supported with appropriate language in order to be therapeutically effective. Evolutionary theory also supports the need for movement and language. This paper suggests that a psychodynamic language is needed, but it must mirror and support the elements of and values within DMT. Although many psychoanalytic theories may contain some therapeutic concepts common to DMT, ad hoc theory picking is not good practice. A single theory, which can provide comprehensive theoretical support for DMT, is needed. Self-psychology is recommended as the psychodynamic language which holds the most parallels with DMT as well as applicability to a range of populations.