The American Dance Therapy Association sets the standards for training and competency in the Dance Therapy movement. In addition, there are other schools of dance therapy that provide training.

Authentic Movement is derived from Jung’s movement analysis theory. In Authentic Movement the patient moves when he or she feels the impulse to do so, working with recurring thoughts and dreams as they seek insights into the self. The patient is called the mover, and the therapist, the witness.

In Freudian techniques, unconscious feelings are revealed and explored through the dance process. In object relations techniques, dance provides a means to explore problems that may have arisen out of the early relationship with one’s parents. The physical nature of the dance allows the patient to act out and express uncovered feelings.

Content last modified on Mar 19, 2003