Dance/movement therapy in the treatment of post traumatic stress: A reference model

Abstract

Given the debilitating effects of psychological trauma, the development of effective treatments is critical. Current treatment trends are increasingly inclusive of body-centered and alternative techniques. Nevertheless, the creative arts therapies (CATs) continue to be underrepresented in the literature in their work with this population. In this paper I focus on the phenomenon of interoception in the recovery process from trauma and present a dance/movement therapy (DMT) application model that is grounded in empirical findings. In three steps, safety, regulating hyperarousal, and attending to interoception, I offer practical suggestions and guidelines for the treatment of trauma survivors in the beginning stage of their recovery. This model is not meant to be exhaustive. Instead, it is hoped that, as it hones in on the basic issues of physical disconnection and lack of interoception in trauma survivors, it might function as an initial building block for a more complete treatment model in the future.