Méthodology
Dance and movement is a multi-sensory approach based on the understanding of the movement as an individual’s authentic expression.
The therapist uses non-verbal communication: movement, game, music and creativity to interact with children and his families.
The basis of this approach is that each child creates a unique inventory of movements and non-verbal communications that can be interpreted by a trained therapist.
These movements reveal the way a child adapts to the world and to others. Parents are encouraged to participate in understanding their child’s message .
The question that underlies the therapy is the following: if this behavior is a form of communication, what is the child trying to tell us ?
Objectives of the therapy
The main objective is to create a safe space allowing a child to express his/her emotions, problems, fears, past and present experiences that are affecting his/her well-being.
The goal is to comfort him/her psychologically.
The therapy is directed at emotional expression, as well as improving family relationships and a child’s social skills.
The therapist uses movement, dance, music and games to encourage and support a child’s emotional space and mental development.
Body movement is a key element of the treatment, as it stimulates a child’s motor development as well as his/her cognitive processes and communication.
Techniques applied
The structure of the sessions is adapted to a child’s abilities and to the reasons that bring him/her to therapy.
A session is divided in three parts :
-
Welcoming time in the form of a movement game
- Active time when movements are developed freely in space.
- Compilation time that enables the child to refocus before the session ends
Our tools
We use different tools to stimulate the child’s expression and social skills :
- Games using the space to stimulate imagination
- Body and movement to encourage the child to manage the space around him/her.
- Dance helps the child create his/her corporal expression.
- Music and rhythm foster this sharing.
- Space enables a better understanding of a ‘one versus the others’ situation.
- Emotions are explored symbolically through drama and storytelling.
- Relaxation, often accompanied by breathing exercises, helps a child in his/her daily routine
Résults
The use of the body and movement enables souvenirs and pre-verbal wounds to re-emerge and be treated.
Different dynamic processes take place during the treatment leading to the following results:
- Emotional and social levels of the child are explored.
- Expression, sharing and social integration abilities are improved.
- Physical, emotional and cognitive capacities are built.
- Authentic expression in a safe space is fostered.
This art of therapy is also effective in treating autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
It also produces results when treating other disorders such as communication and language, sensory development, social functioning and parent-child attachment.
Dance Movement Therapy Benefits
Dance Movement Therapy is beneficial for
Ils sont nombreux !
Les bienfaits de la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement se manifestent notamment sur :
- Memory
- Language acquisition
- Brain development
- Multi-sensory experience
- Development of social skills
