Comprehensive Therapy Center

Dance-Movement Therapy

Did you know that dancing can be a form of therapy? It’s true! In fact, it’s an entire field that’s been growing since the 1940s. The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) defines Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual. In other words, moving your body helps motivate the mind.

You’ve probably heard that most communication between people is through body language. We use movement every day to express how we feel and what we need. Dance therapy is a way to practice that communication and learn new ways to express ourselves by movin’ and groovin’. At CTC, we’re lucky to have one of only a handful of Dance/Movement therapists in West Michigan, Sarah Miller.

What we do in Dance/Movement Therapy:

Our dance movement therapist will observe the way your child or loved one moves and interacts. Then, using dance and movement strategies to increase expression and decrease stress, she will help your child or loved one:

  • Use movement as a way to communicate
  • Integrate motor, communication, cognitive, and emotional skills to improve all 4 areas
  • Develop strategies to cope with anger or frustration
  • Develop strategies to self-soothe
  • Develop strategies to regulate big emotions
  • Develop strategies to remain calm and alert
  • Promote health and wellbeing
  • Have fun!