This paper reviews the literature on curative factors in verbal group therapy and then develops a rationale for eight healing processes in group dance therapy: Synchrony, Expression, Rhythm, Vitalization, Integration, Cohesion, Education, Symbolism.These factors are discussed in relation to individual and group development and in terms of the movement correlates of each process. Also addressed is the interrelationship of these healing processes and implications for dance therapy research.This paper examines the nature of dance therapy by articulating the factors within it which support positive change, growth and health. The task was undertaken in order to clearly define the salient processes within group dance therapy, thereby providing a set of assumptions which can be examined and verified by observational and empirical research. The concept of "curative factors" (therapeutic mechanisms, sources of improvement, etc.) has been addressed previously by verbal therapists working both with individuals and groups (Corsini & Rosenberg 1955, Hill 1975, Kiaus & Bednar 1978, Slipp 1982, Yalom 1975.In 1955 Corsini and Rosenberg studied 300 articles concerning group therapy and extrapolated 166 statements that dealt with therapeutic mechanisms. They collapsed this list into nine categories: Acceptance, Ventilation, Reality Testing, Transference, Intellectualization, Interaction, Universalization, Altruism, and Spectator Therapy. Yaiom (1975) also researched the issue of curative factors in group therapy. He postulated that patients gain therapeutic benefit as a result of the intricate interplay of the following guided human experiences:Instillation of hope, Universality, Imparting of information, Altruism, Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group, Development of socialization techniques, Imitative behavior, Interpersonal learning, Group cohesiveness, Catharsis, and Existential factors.