Date of Award
Spring 4-9-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Clinical Mental Health Counselling
First Advisor
Nicholas Suchecki
Abstract
This literature review explores how touch influences the dance/movement therapy (DMT) process. As touch in DMT appears underexplored, the review draws extensively on related fields to inform DMT practice regarding touch. Drawing on interdisciplinary research and professional codes of ethics, it synthesizes theoretical and empirical findings on the regulatory and relational functions of touch, including co-regulation, attachment, interoception, and connectedness. Ethical considerations, particularly informed consent, boundaries, power dynamics, trauma- informed care, and cultural responsiveness, are emphasized. Findings from the collected data suggest that intentional, consensual, and clinically attuned touch can support emotional regulation and relational growth, while underscoring the need for clearer training guidelines and DMT-specific outcome research.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Pungitore, Alexis, "Exploring the Use of Touch in Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review" (2026). Expressive Therapies Theses. 157.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/157
