July 22, 2024
Last updated on October 8th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
What are the benefits of Dance and Movement Therapy in addiction recovery?
Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) offers several benefits for individuals on the path to addiction recovery. It provides a safe space for emotional expression and processing, promotes body awareness and improves body image, and helps manage stress and anxiety. DMT can also boost self-esteem, foster social connections, teach healthy coping mechanisms, and address underlying trauma.
- Emotional Expression: DMT provides a safe space for individuals to express and process complex emotions through movement, promoting emotional release and self-awareness.
- Body Awareness: DMT helps individuals reconnect with their physical selves, fostering a sense of embodiment and improving body image.
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation: DMT incorporates movement exercises and techniques that promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
How does Dance and Movement Therapy work?
Dance and Movement Therapy sessions are led by a qualified therapist trained in dance and movement. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable exploring movement freely. Sessions may involve guided movement exercises, improvisation, or creating dance routines. The focus is on the experience of moving and expressing oneself through movement, and DMT can be adapted to individual needs and abilities.
- DMT Sessions: Sessions are led by a qualified therapist and may involve guided movement exercises, improvisation, or creating dance routines.
- Safe Environment: The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable exploring movement freely.
- Adaptability: DMT can be adapted to individual needs and abilities, focusing on the experience of moving and expressing oneself through movement.
Who can benefit from Dance and Movement Therapy?
Dance and Movement Therapy can be beneficial for anyone struggling with addiction, regardless of age, fitness level, or dance experience. It can be particularly helpful for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging or who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
- Wide Range of Beneficiaries: DMT can be beneficial for anyone struggling with addiction, regardless of age, fitness level, or dance experience.
- Alternative to Talk Therapy: DMT can be particularly helpful for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging or who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
- Emotional Expression: DMT provides a safe space for individuals to express and process complex emotions through movement.
How can you find a Dance and Movement Therapist?
When looking for a Dance and Movement Therapist, consider therapists certified by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) or a similar reputable organization. It’s also beneficial to find therapists who specialize in addiction recovery. You can talk to your doctor or therapist about potential referrals to a DMT therapist.
- Certified Therapists: Consider therapists certified by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) or a similar reputable organization.
- Specialization in Addiction Recovery: It’s beneficial to find therapists who specialize in addiction recovery.
- Referrals: You can talk to your doctor or therapist about potential referrals to a DMT therapist.
What role does Dance and Movement Therapy play in building healthy coping mechanisms?
Dance and Movement Therapy like other recreational therapies including art therapy and equine therapy plays a significant role in building healthy coping mechanisms for individuals in addiction recovery. DMT teaches individuals healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and cravings. Movement can become a positive outlet to manage stress and challenges without resorting to substance use.
- Healthy Coping Mechanisms: DMT teaches individuals healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and cravings.
- Positive Outlet: Movement can become a positive outlet to manage stress and challenges without resorting to substance use.
- Stress Management: DMT incorporates movement exercises and techniques that promote relaxation and emotional well-being, helping manage stress and anxiety.
Britney Elyse, LMFT, is an experienced mental health professional and clinical leader with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, and recovery services. She currently serves as Director of Compliance & Clinical Services at Carrara Treatment, Wellness & Spa, where she oversees the clinical team, treatment programming, staff development, documentation standards, and coordination of care with physicians and psychiatric providers.
Throughout her career, Britney has held leadership and clinical roles at respected treatment programs including Cliffside Malibu, Cast Recovery, The Hills Treatment Center, and Tarzana Treatment Centers. Her experience encompasses individual and family therapy, clinical assessment, treatment planning, case management, utilization review, and the development of trauma-focused programming.
Britney’s therapeutic background includes trauma-informed care, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, relapse prevention, family therapy, and stages-of-change interventions. She is passionate about creating thoughtful, individualized treatment plans while supporting clients and their families throughout the recovery process.
Britney earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University and has pursued advanced training in Somatic Experiencing Therapy. Her approach combines compassionate client care with strong clinical leadership and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of treatment.
Credentials: MA, LMFT. California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 90937 (Board of Behavioral Sciences). MA, Antioch University. Member, CAMFT.
