Benefits Of Dance Therapy

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Dance therapy is a versatile form of therapy founded on the idea that motion and emotion are connected, this type of therapy is beneficial for both physical and mental health using movement to help individuals achieve emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration Dance therapy is a type of therapy that uses movement to further the social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development of an individual. Dance therapists work with people from all ages that may suffer from any type of emotional problems, intellectual deficiencies, or even life-threatening illnesses. Movement in a dance therapy setting is more than just exercise, the flow of the movements are interpreted more like a language to further the progress of the patient. When …show more content…

Extensive research has shown that using dance movements in a therapy setting can activate several brain functions at once such as a more rational thinking, the ability to recall more information and also to be more physically active. When in a dance therapy session, most instructors will start by playing music of several different genres in order to evoke expressionism in each individual by allowing them to feel the music within their movements. Sometimes one song can make one person feel happy, another sad, and another energized. By observing the different emotions that the music and the movements have such an impact on the patient, and how it may effect a person differently allows them to express their individuality. Dance can open up a creative outlook within the mind of an individual by allowing them to embody their emotions within the movements and convey how the music makes them feel inside. Dance is also a tool for stress release, dance therapy is a great stress reliever, not only because it is great physical excessive for the body but it is also emotionally therapeutic. Dancing can bring changes to emotions and attitudes almost instantly. Dance therapy can also help develop higher functions motor skills by incorporating stretching and deep breathing exercises to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. This can benefit the patient’s motor skills by focusing on strength, coordination and balance. Not only does dance improve motor skills, it can also increase confidence and self esteem by creating a common ground between the therapist and the patient through movement. This allows for a positive and safe learning environment and lets the participant know they are welcome and that this will be a pleasant and fun experience. These

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