Dance/movement therapy with resettled refugees: A guideline and framework based on empirical data

Abstract

In this paper we offer a review of the refugee experience with a specific focus on those refugees recently resettled in the United States. We expand on the importance of trauma-informed care that is culturally sensitive, somatically informed, and strength/resource-based. Dance/movement therapy (DMT), with its emphasis on somatic and psychological issues, appears to be a fitting modality for refugees and has been applied in several studies. However, an empirically established clinical framework that offers guidelines for dance/movement therapists working with refugees has not yet been established. In order to fill this gap, we present a DMT guide that is based on a thematic analysis of some of the existing studies with this population. We go on to describe how this guide served as a useful structure in the work with refugees by example of its application in a recent grounded theory study and share additional skills that were found to be helpful. We close with overall clinical recommendations, challenges encountered, and reflections on the DMT work with refugees.