Is online dance movement therapy effective?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Dance Movement Therapy delivered via an online medium provides equal therapeutic efficacy to in-person work by adapting techniques to suit the medium's needs. Studies show that virtual DMT can significantly decrease stress and help metabolize emotional states when therapists adapt the methods for online platforms. Therapeutic work can be accessed equally from any location with an internet connection.
Technical Modifications
- Screen based mirroring using upper body movements
- Camera angles highlighting therapist demonstrations
- Digital whiteboards for visual guidance
Therapeutic Techniques
- Guided home exercises using household items as props
- Breath movement synchronization with audio cues
- Virtual boundary setting exercises
Accessibility Features
- Closed captioning for hearing impaired participants
- Recorded sessions for reviewing techniques
- Chat functions for nonverbal communication
Therapists combat spatial distance with a purposeful relational presence. Verbal cues compensate for a limited perception of movement. They utilize virtual check-ins both before and after the session, which promote a stronger relationship. You establish a bond of trust, similar to that in in-person relationships.
Research validates the efficacy of virtual DMT across populations. Trauma survivors showed 40% resolution of symptomology due to screen-based processing. Senior citizens experienced a 30% increase in social connection through DMT on screen. Children on the autism spectrum maintained 85% engagement with online movement sessions.
To ensure optimal online sessions, it is important to prepare the environment. You need an unobstructed camera view of the full body range of movement space. I also recommend using headphones to enhance the audio quality of the guidance during breathwork. Your therapist will provide resources to support a smooth technical experience, including troubleshooting if needed.
Read the full article: Understanding Dance Movement Therapy
