Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59614/acief52025247Keywords:
Therapeutic alliance, dance therapy, body expression, movement perception, psychotherapyAbstract
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to promote the emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, and social integration of the individual. The aim of this article was to identify the effects of DMT in the context of psychotherapy, relating its benefits in emotional, physical, mental and general well-being terms. We examined 177 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024 on the application of DMT in psychotherapeutic contexts. The results show that DMT is a comprehensive modality that promotes the mind-body connection and facilitates the nonverbal expression of experiences that transcend language. Evidence supports its efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, as well as in addressing trauma, grief, autism, dementia, and personality disorders. Benefits in general well-being, emotional regulation, body awareness, and social cohesion are reported in both individual and group interventions, and in face-to-face and online (tele-DMT) formats. Although methodological limitations are identified, such as heterogeneity of designs and geographic bias towards Israel and the United States, the findings consolidate DMT as a versatile, culturally adaptable therapeutic intervention with broad potential for development.
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