Keywords
dance/movement therapy, anxiety, treatment, depression, dance therapy
Page #: 98
This article describes a pilot study to test the potential of a dance/movement therapy program as a treatment for anxiety. The program was developed by the author, drawing from the approaches of Kierr (1995) and Bourne (2000), and incorporating elements from psychodynamic, developmental, self psychology and cognitive- behavioural approaches. Ten self-selected adults joined a community based dance/movement therapy program for a ten week series of sessions. Assessment tools included a client interview, Zung SAS questionnaire, movement analysis using the Samuels and Chaiklin Movement Observation Scale, and Client Feedback Form. Eight out of the ten clients experienced a reduction in anxiety, and those with no depression showed a higher level of improvement. This study provides support for further investigation into the use of dance/movement therapy interventions to treat anxiety. Further research into the treatment of anxiety and depression is recommended, especially into the combination of verbal and dance/movement therapy within a multidisciplinary treatment approach.