Healing processes in group dance therapy

Abstract

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.

A Dance/Movement Therapy Clinical Model for Women with Gynecologic Cancer Undergoing High Dose Rate Brachytherapy

“…Patients will be able to explore any physical sensations and emotional reactions to the group that day. As feelings emerge through the movement process, the patient needs to take the time to evaluate the experience, draw parallels to other experiences in her life, and receive feedback from others (Schmais, 1985). This is an uncensored and free discussion.…”

Legal and ethical issues of touch in dance/movement therapy

“…While a complete description of the techniques utilized is beyond the scope of this paper, the use of touch in the process of therapy will be described. Schmais (1985) has considered touch to be an integral part of the process of "cohesion," one of the eight healing processes in dance/ movement therapy. She described the sequence through which psychiatric patients become comfortable with touching others and with being touched.…”

Rooting into moving – a tribute to the life of Claire Schmais (1924–2015)

“…Claire captured and translated the deep essence of Chace's work with empathic reflection. Claire's major contribution to the field and to professional training was her understanding of how dance therapy groups work and identifying the healing processes within dance therapy group work (Chaiklin & Schmais, 1993;Schmais, 1985Schmais, , 1998Schmais & Diaz-Salazar, 1998).…”